The lawsuit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, names Akpabio, his Senior Legislative Aide Mfon Patrick, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as defendants.
The conflict began during a recent Senate committee reshuffle when Akpoti-Uduaghan was reassigned from her position. Her opposition to this change led to a confrontation with Akpabio, which escalated after a Facebook post titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” appeared online. The post allegedly suggested she viewed her legislative role as a platform for personal display rather than governance.
Through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan argues the statements were defamatory and harmful to her reputation among colleagues and the public. She seeks N1 billion in general damages and N300 million for litigation costs.