By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has instituted a fresh ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the 10th Senate.
The development was confirmed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in a public statement on her verified Facebook page, where she also shared the court notice marked FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025, currently before Justice U. P. Kekemeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the new case now provides an opportunity for her to present her position before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges — a committee she previously accused of declining to hear her petition.
Akpabio’s Legal Claims
According to filings before the court, Senator Akpabio alleges that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made statements he considers false, injurious, and damaging to his reputation. He argues that the remarks allegedly portrayed him in a negative manner capable of subjecting him to public ridicule.
The Senate President is seeking:
- Monetary damages
- Public retractions
- Apologies broadcast nationwide
The court earlier granted an order for substituted service on November 6 after bailiffs were unable to achieve personal service. The documents were later delivered through the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Responds
Confirming receipt of the lawsuit, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed readiness to defend herself, adding that the matter now allows her to present issues she previously raised but which were not heard in the Senate.
In her social media post, she wrote:
“I’m in receipt of the newly instituted ₦200bn suit against me by Senator Godswill Akpabio. Now, I am glad that Akpabio has brought this up because the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges failed to grant me an audience on this issue… I now have a chance to present my account. See you in court.”
Her reaction has triggered renewed public debate about internal tensions in the Senate, particularly following her earlier six-month suspension in March 2025 — a disciplinary action widely reported by national media including The Punch.
Background of Previous Dispute
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended after protesting the relocation of her seat during plenary, a situation she linked to alleged unfair treatment by Senate leadership. Although the suspension ended in September, she returned to the chamber weeks later after her office was reopened by officials of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Upon resumption, she maintained she had “no apology to tender,” insisting that dissenting voices must be allowed in a democratic institution.
Legal Showdown Expected
With both lawmakers now preparing for a full legal contest, the case has quickly become one of the most watched political and legal battles in Nigeria. Analysts note that litigation between a sitting Senate President and a sitting senator is exceedingly rare, making the matter a significant development in Nigerian legislative history.
The Bureau News will continue monitoring proceedings before the FCT High Court as developments unfold.
