The National Assembly complex in Abuja was the scene of heightened political unrest on March 5, 2025, as rival groups supporting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio staged competing demonstrations.
The confrontations underscored deepening divisions between the two lawmakers, drawing national attention and raising concerns over Senate stability.
The protests stemmed from accusations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, who alleged that Akpabio sexually harassed her during a visit to his residence in December 2023.
She further claimed that the Senate President acted improperly when she sought clarification on a motion concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company. These allegations have fueled significant public debate, with supporters and critics taking opposing sides on the issue.
By early morning, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters had gathered near the National Assembly Arcade, opposite Eagle Square, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Akpabio must go” and “Justice for Natasha.”
The protesters, many of whom were from civil society organizations, demanded a full investigation into the senator’s claims and called for Akpabio’s resignation.
Meanwhile, a counter-protest emerged in support of Akpabio, with demonstrators holding banners that read, “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”
Supporters of the Senate President dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to manipulate public opinion for political gain. The proximity of the opposing demonstrations led to a tense atmosphere, prompting heightened security measures.
Amid the unrest, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the protest site near the Mopol gate, where her presence energized her supporters. Greeted with chants and applause, she reiterated her allegations against Akpabio, emphasizing the need for accountability in the country’s legislative body. She also thanked her supporters for standing by her despite the resistance she faced.
Earlier in the day, security operatives, including some in plainclothes, deployed tear gas to disperse the first group of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters at the National Assembly Arcade, near Eagle Square.
The demonstrators, who had started assembling around 9 a.m., were initially forced to withdraw but later reconvened at an alternate location to resume their protest.
