Tensions in the upper chamber of the National Assembly deepened on Tuesday as Senator Titus Zam (Benue North-West) openly criticised his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), over her continuing rift with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to Sahara Reporters, the exchange took place in the Northern Senators Forum WhatsApp group, where Zam accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of courting unnecessary controversy instead of focusing on constructive legislative engagement.
“Why Do You Wish to Be in the News for the Wrong Reason?”
In a direct message to the Kogi lawmaker, Zam wrote:
“Why do you wish to be in the news for the wrong reason? I thought by now you would be sober and engaging instead of resorting to needless altercations with the system. Recall that the Senate President administered the oath of office to you as the head of the institution you belong to. Calm down; you can’t subdue this institution.”
Zam further urged her to adopt a more measured and diplomatic approach to her disagreements rather than repeatedly confronting Senate leadership.
Background to the Rift
Naijapunchnews recalls that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following clashes with the Senate leadership. Her suspension formally lapsed in September, but she has continued to speak out against what she describes as institutional bias and unfair treatment from Akpabio.
Her vocal stance has earned her both praise from supporters who view her as courageous and criticism from colleagues who believe her style is unnecessarily combative.
Rising Tensions in the Senate
The back-and-forth highlights the growing friction within the Senate, particularly between lawmakers aligned with Akpabio’s leadership and those, like Akpoti-Uduaghan, who have challenged his handling of parliamentary affairs.
Observers note that while internal disagreements are not unusual in the legislature, the increasingly public nature of this feud underscores deeper divisions within the 10th Senate.
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