Natasha Fires Back at Akpabio Over Assassination Allegations as Police Petition Sparks National Debate

Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has come out swinging after Senate President Godswill Akpabio lodged a criminal petition against her with the Inspector General of Police, accusing her of defamation and incitement over an assassination claim that has gripped the nation’s attention.

In a detailed petition dated April 3, Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom governor and current Senate President, alleged that Natasha falsely accused him of orchestrating a plot to kill her. The allegation, according to Akpabio, is a “heinous lie” crafted to tarnish his image, incite political unrest, and mislead the public.

This came in response to Natasha’s April 1 remarks during a public appearance in Kogi State, where she boldly claimed that Akpabio had directed former Governor Yahaya Bello to eliminate her and make it seem like her own people were behind it.

Akpabio wrote, “This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and incite political tension. It is calculated blackmail.”

The petition was also submitted to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signifying the seriousness of the allegations.

However, Senator Natasha, through her lawyer Victor Giwa, dismissed Akpabio’s claims and insisted that her statement was not politically motivated but a genuine cry for protection.

“She’s not playing politics with her life. This is about safety. She was suspended and immediately her security was withdrawn—a politically exposed figure like her left vulnerable? That’s a red flag,” Giwa argued, questioning the rationale behind removing her security detail post-suspension.

Giwa pointed out the Senate President’s swift order to strip Natasha of her protective escort as part of a broader campaign to silence her. “You stopped her from attending the Senate, fine. But why expose her to threats outside of work?”

Meanwhile, a socio-political group, the Movement for National Accommodation and Consensus for Continuity (MONACCO), has begun a nationwide campaign to defend Akpabio’s character. Speaking in Zamfara, the group’s National President, Salisu Isah, portrayed Akpabio as a “friendly and jovial” leader often misunderstood due to his open nature.

Isah shared personal stories of Akpabio’s playful interactions, even recalling a 2003 event with former Women Leader Dr. Kate Ogundaye to demonstrate his harmless demeanor.

He cautioned, however, that Akpabio’s open personality could sometimes lead to misinterpretation. Drawing parallels to Donald Trump’s controversial remarks and past political missteps by figures like Col. Sambo Dasuki, Isah noted that high-profile individuals must tread carefully in public discourse.

He insisted the issue with Natasha had been politicized to destabilize the Senate and called on Nigerians to reject divisive tactics.

MONACCO plans to tour all six geopolitical zones, urging Nigerians to recognize the dangers of weaponized misinformation in politics.

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