Police disperse pro-Natasha protesters with tear gas at National Assembly

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dispersed supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, as they attempted to access the National Assembly Complex.

Members of civil society groups on Wednesday stormed the entrance of the National Assembly gate, demanding that Senate President Godswill Akpabio step down for proper investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.

The groups gathered at the assembly gate as early as 8 a.m. ahead of the resumption of plenary.

The protesters gathered at the assembly gate as early as 8:00 am, coinciding with the resumption of plenary and the scheduled hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

Some of their banners read, “Akpabio Must Go” and “Protect Women’s Rights”.

However, police officers deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, citing the need to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.

The protesters are said to have now relocated to the Unity Fountain in Abuja to continue their demonstration.

The protest comes amid rising tensions following a February 20, 2025 clash between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. The disagreement led to her referral to the Senate’s ethics committee.

Last week, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and claimed she was being targeted because she refused his sexual advances