Tension as police disperse protesters supporting Natasha at national assembly

A protest erupted at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday morning as police officers fired tear gas to disperse supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The demonstrators had gathered at the assembly gate around 8 a.m., just before plenary began, but were met with strong resistance from security personnel. Without hesitation, police officers deployed tear gas canisters, forcing the crowd to scatter. However, the protesters later regrouped at the Unity Fountain, where they continued their demonstration.

The protest follows an ongoing political standoff involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate. The senator recently clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements during a plenary session on February 20. The dispute led to her being referred to the Senate’s disciplinary committee.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio, accusing him of tarnishing her reputation. She later alleged that the Senate President was targeting her for rejecting his alleged advances.

The situation has further deepened tensions within the Senate, with supporters of the embattled senator demanding justice while security forces work to contain the protests.