At Last, Fearless Natasha Issues a Scathing "Apology" to Akpabio

By Dansu Peter  In a dramatic twist to the ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has is...

By Dansu Peter 

In a dramatic twist to the ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has issued a stinging "satirical apology" directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, laying bare allegations of systemic sexism and entitlement at the highest levels of the legislature.

In a letter circulated to the media on Sunday and titled “Satirical Apology Letter,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sarcastically “apologized” for what she described as the grievous crime of “possessing dignity and self-respect” in Akpabio’s presence.

"I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence," she wrote, dripping in sarcasm. The Kogi lawmaker accused the Senate leadership of favoring compliance over competence, suggesting that success in the red chamber is less about merit and more about “private dinners behind closed doors.”

The letter appeared to accuse the Senate President of making inappropriate demands, referencing her “refusal to indulge your… ‘requests’” as a supposed violation of unwritten, entitlement-based norms among certain power brokers.

Akpoti-Uduaghan continued, highlighting the “catastrophic consequences” of her resistance: legislative delays, bruised egos, and disruption to the established culture of “quid pro quo.” In one of the most biting lines, she apologized for mistakenly believing that her Senate seat was earned "through elections, not erections."

Observers say the sharply worded letter is the latest escalation in what has become a visible power struggle between Akpoti-Uduaghan — a rising star known for her fierce independence — and Senate President Akpabio, whose leadership style has drawn increasing scrutiny in recent months.

In signing off, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to remain "Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken," a direct shot at any attempts to cow her into submission.

Neither Senate President Akpabio nor his office has officially responded to the letter as of press time.

Political analysts predict the fallout from this public confrontation could deepen existing fractures within the Senate, with growing calls among younger lawmakers — particularly women — for a more transparent and merit-based leadership structure.