Senate Erupts in Drama as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Confronts Titus Zam
In a dramatic turn of events at the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, stormed the office of Senator Titus Zam, chairman of the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). The incident, which occurred on February 16, 2026, followed a budget defence meeting that had concluded before Akpoti-Uduaghan's arrival, sparking a heated altercation that escalated into allegations of assault and required security intervention.
Details of the Confrontation and Escalation
According to sources within the National Assembly, the confrontation began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the venue of the committee meeting, scheduled for 10 am, only to find it had already ended. Undeterred, she proceeded to Senator Zam's office with her legislative aides to seek clarification. Eyewitnesses reported that tension quickly mounted when she was denied access to the office, leading to a fierce argument involving staff members and individuals in her entourage.
During the argument, an aide to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was alleged to have assaulted a staff member in Senator Zam's office. This prompted the intervention of security operatives stationed at the National Assembly, who managed to bring the situation under control. The immediate trigger for the altercation remains unclear, but the incident has drawn widespread attention and public reactions.
Public Reactions and Criticism
Nigerians have taken to social media and other platforms to voice their opinions on the incident, with many criticizing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's behavior. Akorede commented, "Why always this woman? She keeps fighting everybody as if she’s the only person or the only woman in the Senate. Kogi people should do better this coming election because I can’t imagine this shameless person representing a whole district." Similarly, Badmus faulted the Kogi senator, stating, "Always in the news for the wrong reasons, as a Parliamentarian will only reduce your productivity. Aside from social media clout, you can never profit from it."
However, not all reactions were negative. Bravotwice Akim defended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, suggesting the video was intended to tarnish her image: "But the video shows Senator Natasha sitting most of the time...but because of already established hate against her, some are already rushing to hit their phone pads." Other critics, like Cee&See1stNews, labeled her actions as aggressive, with comments such as "Natasha left her office to go and fight Sen. Zam in his office. What manner of Agbero Senator is she? Another suspension loading." Ọlánrèwájú Ìdòwú also expressed disapproval, questioning, "Why is she always in a tussle with her male counterparts? This is not nice at all."
Background and Political Context
This incident is not the first time Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been at the center of controversy. Earlier in 2025, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that garnered significant media attention. Additionally, she has recently disclosed receiving calls and invites from the presidency and fellow senators to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, she has maintained that she has no reason to leave the PDP, citing peace within her current party.
The altercation with Senator Titus Zam highlights ongoing tensions within the Nigerian Senate and raises questions about decorum and professionalism among lawmakers. As investigations into the incident continue, it remains to be seen what disciplinary actions, if any, will be taken. This event underscores the volatile nature of political interactions in Nigeria's legislative body and the impact of such dramas on public perception and governance.
