Akpabio Seeks Court Order for Natasha to Delete Satirical Apology

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to delete a satirical apology she posted across her social media platforms. The petition, filed on Wednesday, centers on a video shared by Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 27, in which she mockingly apologized to Akpabio for allegedly refusing his advances.

In the brief video, the embattled senator sarcastically stated she was “sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect,” insinuating that Akpabio had taken offense at her rejection. The video quickly garnered widespread attention, fueling an ongoing public feud between the two lawmakers that first erupted during an altercation over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.

Legal Battle Intensifies as Akpabio Demands Deletion and Public Apology

Akpabio’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued in court filings that the video amounted to a violation of an earlier court directive issued by Justice Binta Nyako. The judge had, on April 4, 2025, restrained both parties from making public statements regarding the pending case. Akpabio’s lawyers maintained that the video’s continued circulation undermines the court’s authority and prejudices the ongoing legal proceedings.

In addition to seeking the deletion of the video from all social media platforms, Akpabio’s legal counsel urged the court to order Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a formal written apology in at least two national newspapers. The legal team further requested that she be mandated to swear an affidavit confirming compliance with the court’s directive, emphasizing the need to restore the dignity of the Senate President and the sanctity of judicial orders.

Background of the Feud: A Senate Floor Clash Escalates

The dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan traces back to a heated altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements earlier this year. The disagreement spiraled into a public confrontation, culminating in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. Following her allegations, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, launched an inquiry into her conduct.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit to stop the Senate from investigating or disciplining her for alleged misconduct. The legal impasse has since deepened tensions within the Senate, with observers viewing the case as a litmus test for institutional accountability and gender dynamics in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Suspension and Gag Order: Court’s Initial Intervention

Despite her legal challenge, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate, a move critics described as punitive retaliation for her outspoken stance against the Senate leadership. The suspension raised questions about legislative impartiality and freedom of expression within the upper chamber. Justice Binta Nyako, in an attempt to de-escalate the matter, had issued an injunction barring both senators from making further public comments pending the resolution of the case.

Legal analysts noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s April 27 video, while couched in satire, could be interpreted as a violation of the gag order. “The issue here is whether satire qualifies as commentary under the court’s restraint. It’s a fine legal line,” remarked constitutional lawyer Dr. Femi Ige.

Next Steps: Court to Hear Application for Deletion Order

The court is expected to hear Akpabio’s fresh application in the coming weeks, with Justice Nyako presiding over the proceedings. Sources close to the matter revealed that the court may also consider whether punitive measures should apply if Akpoti-Uduaghan is found in contempt. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how Nigerian courts handle social media posts and satire in the context of ongoing litigation.

Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has not publicly responded to the latest court filing, though her legal team has signaled their readiness to contest the application. Civil society groups and women’s rights advocates continue to monitor the case closely, framing it within broader concerns about gender equality, political accountability, and freedom of expression in Nigeria’s democratic space.