The rift between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswell Akpabio has escalated from parliamentary clashes to a full-blown legal battle, with Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife, filing multiple defamation suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Filed on Friday, the lawsuits allege that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio are defamatory and have inflicted severe damage to the Akpabio family’s reputation.
Allegations and Rebuttals
The legal action follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims during an Arise TV interview, where she accused Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances at his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.
In response, Ekaette Akpabio dismissed the allegations, calling them “lies” and asserting that her husband is a “disciplined individual.” She contends the accusations have caused “emotional and psychological abuse” to her and her children.
Ekaette is seeking:
- ₦250 billion in exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages.
- A restraining order to prevent Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements.
- A public apology to be published in two national newspapers.
- An additional ₦1 billion in punitive damages.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Counters with Her Own Lawsuit
In a counter-move, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a ₦100.3 billion defamation suit against Akpabio in the Federal High Court, Abuja. She claims her reputation was tarnished by a Facebook post made by Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Mfon Patrick.
The post, titled “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate NATASHA’s BIRTHRIGHT?”, allegedly misrepresented Akpoti-Uduaghan, suggesting she believed being a senator was about wearing “heavy makeup and transparent clothing” to the chambers.
Her suit (CV/737/25) demands:
- ₦100 billion in general damages.
- ₦300 million to cover litigation costs.
Ongoing Silence and Legal Fallout
As of now, Godswell Akpabio has not publicly addressed the accusations or lawsuits. Meanwhile, the unfolding legal saga has drawn intense public scrutiny, highlighting the volatile tensions within the Senate.
