Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly on Wednesday, where her supporters were protesting against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
They demanded his resignation following allegations of sexual harassment made by the senator.
At the same time, a rival group of demonstrators gathered in support of Akpabio, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of making false claims.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, recently accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her twice—first during a visit to his residence in December 2023 and again when she sought updates on her Ajaokuta Steel motion.
She has also previously clashed with Akpabio over her seating arrangement in the Senate, claiming she was deliberately isolated from other lawmakers.
As she arrived near the Mopol gate, her supporters cheered and waved placards reading, “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.”
Many protesters, including civil society members, called for a full investigation into her allegations.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s supporters held a counter-protest, carrying banners with messages like “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”
Earlier in the day, security personnel—some in plain clothes—used tear gas to disperse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters at the National Assembly Arcade, near Eagle Square.
Despite being forced to retreat, the protesters regrouped at another location to continue their demonstration.
