On March 5, 2025, Nigeria Police Force operatives dispersed supporters of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, who had gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja. The police used tear gas to prevent any potential disruption as the protesters demanded the registration of Senate President Godswill Akpabio amid allegations of sexual harassment against him.
The demonstrators arrived at the assembly gate as early as 8 a.m. in anticipation of the resumption of plenary and a scheduled hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Following the police intervention, the protesters relocated to Unity Fountain to continue their demonstration.
The conflict between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated on February 20, when a dispute over seating arrangements on the Senate floor led to Akpoti-Uduaghan being referred to the Senate’s ethics committee. Recently, she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming that he retaliated against her for rejecting his advances.
