Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has filed a formal petition with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is behind a coordinated campaign of defamation and cyberbullying aimed at tarnishing her image and undermining her political standing.
In the petition dated May 15, titled ‘Petition Against Coordinated Defamation and Cyberbullying by Sponsored Syndicate at the Behest of the President of the Senate – Godswill Akpabio’, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that a network of media proxies, allegedly acting on Akpabio’s behalf, had circulated false and malicious stories accusing her of terrorism, arms trafficking, and political violence in Kogi State.
“These publications were not only identical in content but also strategically timed and syndicated across various platforms in a manner that clearly suggests a centrally coordinated attack,” said Ehiogie West-Idahosa, legal counsel to the senator, in the petition submitted to the police.
The senator expressed alarm over the implications of the allegations, noting that they were designed not only to damage her public reputation but also to create a pretext for politically motivated investigations or legal actions.
“These baseless and defamatory claims are not only malicious but have also endangered my life, my family, and my political career,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated in the petition.
“This is a dangerous pattern of cyberbullying and political blackmail intended to delegitimise me as a federal lawmaker and silence my voice.”
She accused the Senate President of misusing his influence and public office to intimidate political opponents through media manipulation and character assassination.
“This is not the first time I have been targeted,” the lawmaker noted. “During the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, where I contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), similar attempts were made to malign and discredit me.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan is urging the police to launch a thorough investigation into the individuals and media platforms involved in the campaign, as well as Akpabio’s alleged role in orchestrating the attacks.
“I respectfully request that your esteemed office investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to justice all individuals and organisations involved in this coordinated defamation campaign,” she wrote. “It is imperative that those who misuse their positions of power to intimidate and malign others are held accountable.”
The senator also raised concerns for her personal safety, asking the IGP to take steps to guarantee her security amid rising threats linked to the defamatory claims.
“This pattern of harassment and false accusations poses a grave threat to democracy, free speech, and the integrity of our institutions. It must not be allowed to continue unchecked,” she said.
At the time of filing this report, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had not responded to the allegations. Attempts to reach his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, were unsuccessful as he was unavailable for comment.