Senator Natasha Accuses Akpabio of Undue Pressure, Says Senate Has Become ‘Comedy Show’

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has leveled serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of transforming Senate proceedings into distractions and comedy while allegedly demanding unofficial returns from committee chairs.

In an interview with media personality Adeola Fayehun, Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted her experience as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, stating that Akpabio had asked her for a “progress report” — a term she later understood to mean financial or political kickbacks.

“I told my husband. I told Akpabio himself. I said I couldn’t do that, and he replied, ‘Then you’re not fit to chair any committee.’ That’s when I knew it was never about performance,” she said.

Her comments shine a spotlight on mounting political tensions within the Senate, revealing the pressure lawmakers allegedly face to satisfy powerful interests, especially during key legislative periods like budget deliberations.

“Akpabio has turned Senate sittings into comedy shows to distract from real issues. Behind the scenes, there’s pressure, lobbying, coercion. What I faced, many others are quietly enduring,” she added, raising concerns about the integrity and independence of the legislative body.