Akpabio sues Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over mocking Facebook post

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a defamation lawsuit against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court in Abuja, over a social media post he claims was laced with sarcasm and intended to ridicule him, despite her recent public apology.

The legal action, filed on May 7, 2025, and registered under suit number CS/384/25, stems from a controversial Facebook post by Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 27, 2025, in which she ostensibly apologized to Akpabio.

The post, however, was widely interpreted as sarcastic, as it appeared to mock the leadership culture of the Nigerian Senate.

The Controversial Facebook Post

In the post, Senator Natasha directly addressed Akpabio with exaggerated contrition, claiming regret for exhibiting “dignity and independence” rather than submission to political expectations.

She satirically admitted to “misunderstanding the Senate’s rules,” implying that loyalty and personal allegiance, rather than merit, drive success in the legislative chamber.

Her message concluded with a biting mock apology for prioritizing integrity over personal advancement, a veiled critique of Senate leadership practices.

Akpabio’s Legal Demands

Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), is asking the court to compel Senator Natasha to:

Remove the Facebook post and any related content from all her social media platforms.

Publish a formal written apology in at least two national newspapers.

Submit an affidavit affirming her compliance with these directives.

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The Senate President’s lawyers argue that the post violated an existing court order issued on April 4, 2025, which directed both parties to refrain from making public statements regarding an ongoing legal matter between them—reportedly related to prior sexual harassment allegations.

Breach of Court Order

Akpabio’s team maintains that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s April 27 post amounts to a deliberate breach of the court’s gag order, claiming it was not only provocative but designed to influence public opinion while the matter remains sub judice.

Although Senator Natasha had posted what appeared to be an apology, the Senate President’s camp insists that the tone and content of the message were crafted to undermine his credibility and mock his office, rather than express genuine remorse.

Background and Political Context

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is currently under suspension following tensions with the Senate leadership. She has recently been outspoken about internal politics within the National Assembly and has positioned herself as a champion of reform and legislative independence.

The lawsuit further intensifies the standoff between the Senate President and the embattled senator, highlighting deepening divisions within the Red Chamber and drawing public scrutiny to issues of free speech, institutional accountability, and political retribution.

The case is expected to generate significant public interest as it proceeds in court, especially in light of broader debates on how elected officials interact on social media and whether sarcastic commentary by lawmakers constitutes defamation or protected expression.