The political drama between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken a new turn, with a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain stepping in to call for calm. Chief Ayirimi Emami, a leader of the APC in Delta State, has urged both lawmakers to exercise restraint, warning that their public feud is diverting attention from critical national issues like the newly signed 2025 budget.
As the controversy continues to make headlines, Emami’s appeal for peace highlights the need for unity within the party and a focus on governance. Here’s what you need to know about this unfolding story.
The Feud: What Sparked the Controversy?
The tension between Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated after the Kogi Central senator appeared on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday. During the interview, she accused the Senate President of victimizing her after she rejected his alleged sexual advances.
Natasha’s claims have sparked a media frenzy, with Nigerians divided over the allegations. While some have called for an investigation, others see the feud as a distraction from more pressing national issues.
APC Chieftain Calls for Restraint
In a statement released on Saturday, Chief Ayirimi Emami appealed to both lawmakers to put an end to the public spat. He expressed concern that the controversy was overshadowing the signing of the N54.99 trillion 2025 budget by President Bola Tinubu, a milestone that deserves national attention.
“The avoidable media war has taken the minds of majority of Nigerians off the critical issue of the 2025 budget,” Emami said. “Rather than focusing on the nitty-gritty of the budget and how it would accelerate the palpable progress being made in the country, many Nigerians are exerting their energies on the disagreement between the two distinguished senators.”
Why This Feud Matters
The Akpabio-Natasha feud isn’t just a personal dispute—it has broader implications for the APC and the Tinubu administration. Emami warned that the controversy could be exploited by political opponents to create distractions and undermine the government’s efforts.
He also emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the Senate, urging both parties to resolve their differences behind closed doors. “The integrity of the Senate must be respected,” he said.
Efforts to Broker Peace
Emami revealed that APC leaders in the South-South region are working to mediate between Akpabio and Natasha. Describing the situation as a “family matter,” he expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved soon.
“By the grace of God and the wisdom of our good ancestors, the issues will be resolved soon,” he said.
What’s Next?
As the APC works to resolve the conflict, the focus now shifts to whether Akpabio and Natasha will heed Emami’s call for restraint. Will the two lawmakers put their differences aside for the sake of the party and the nation? Or will the feud continue to dominate headlines, diverting attention from critical issues like the 2025 budget?
One thing is clear: this controversy has put the APC in the spotlight, and how it handles the situation could have lasting implications for the party’s unity and public perception.
