- A video of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti performing an Islamic prostration at a rally has sparked diverse opinions among Nigerians.
- The incident occurred after her arrival by helicopter at a homecoming event in her constituency.
- Controversy escalated in July 2024 when Senate President Godswill Akpabio reprimanded Akpoti-Uduaghan for her comments during a Senate session.
Nigerians have expressed a range of opinions after a video surfaced showing suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan performing an Islamic prostration (sujud) on bare ground following her arrival via helicopter at a homecoming rally in her constituency.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan intensified in July 2024, when Senate President Godswill Akpabio reprimanded her for speaking out of turn during a Senate session, sarcastically remarking, “This is not a nightclub.” His comment led to public backlash, prompting Akpabio to issue a public apology, stressing that he did not intend to disrespect any woman and that he held women in high regard.
In February 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of harassment, claiming that he made inappropriate remarks and advances toward her. Akpabio denied these allegations. However, the Senate’s ethics committee dismissed her petition, citing procedural issues, and imposed a six-month suspension on her for “unruly and disruptive” behavior during an unrelated event. This decision sparked protests from women’s rights groups, who rallied under the slogan “We are all Natasha” to highlight concerns about gender discrimination in Nigerian politics.
On April 1, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan made serious accusations, alleging that Akpabio had hired Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to orchestrate her assassination and recall from the Senate.
The video showing her prostrating at the rally has gone viral, leading to mixed reactions from Nigerians. While many celebrated the moment, others voiced criticism, with some questioning the appropriateness of the gesture given the ongoing political tensions.
Watch the video below:
See some comments below:
@dorcdorc2, “I just love the woman. May God continue to be with her.”
@umar_aliman, “This Woman knows what she’s doing wlh gaba daya da sako su gaba tana hanasu bacci sam 😂🥱😂.”
@bebeimmy01, “This woman knows the game😂😂😂.”
@unclefreezy25, “Na men like her pass sef😂.”
@Kelvin32187330, “See Nigerians God! I know some of you would say this is because they love her but guy!! Look am well and check the environment, civil servant be like God to her people. Poverty na bastard, else I am very sure these people won’t be this ignorant.
Chai! 😂 I just hope she no 4get.”
@ganymedescrater, “This woman get doings o. She comot helicopter use her head touch ground.”
