Drama as Natasha Invites Akpabio to Commission Kogi Projects Amid Lingering Feud

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a twist that has the National Assembly buzzing and social media ablaze, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the fiery PDP lawmaker from Kogi Central, has extended a surprise invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio for the commissioning of her constituency projects,  a move that’s being hailed by some as a bold step toward reconciliation, and dismissed by others as political theater.

The invitation letter, personally signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan and read aloud by Akpabio himself during Thursday’s plenary session, marks her second anniversary in the Senate.

It calls on the Senate President and fellow lawmakers to join her in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Sunday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“In marking my second-year anniversary as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite my Distinguished colleagues to join me for the commissioning of projects in Kogi State,” the letter reads in part.

Practical details weren’t overlooked: guests flying in can touch down at the Obajana Airstrip before a short road trip to the event’s kickoff point at her residence on Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street.

Akpabio, whose relationship with Akpoti-Uduaghan has been anything but smooth sailing, appeared genuinely warmed by the gesture.

After reading the letter to a hushed chamber, he offered a simple but telling response: “Congratulations in advance.”

It was a far cry from the explosive exchanges that defined their feud earlier this year, a public shouting match over seating arrangements in February that escalated into allegations of sexual harassment (which Akpabio vehemently denied), a six-month suspension for the Kogi senator in March, and a barrage of court cases still simmering in the background.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who returned to the Senate floor on September 24 after her suspension, has been steadily rebuilding bridges.

Last week, she even contributed to the debate on the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, successfully pushing for an additional resolution – a sign of her re-engagement with the chamber’s leadership.

But this invitation? It’s the most public olive branch yet, coming just as she’s facing charges of criminal defamation and cybercrime in separate high court suits tied to her earlier claims against Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.

The Senate erupted in a mix of applause and murmurs as the letter was read, with APC senators exchanging knowing glances and PDP members like Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allies watching closely.

Political insiders see it as a calculated play: a demonstration of maturity and unity that could ease her path forward amid ongoing legal battles and the cutthroat run-up to the 2027 elections.

“This isn’t just about boreholes or roads – it’s a statement of reconciliation and political savvy,” one senior parliamentary source told reporters off the record.

Online, though, the reactions are predictably polarized – and predictably dramatic. Netizens flooded X (formerly Twitter) with memes and hot takes. “Make Akpabio no go ooo – hope this no be another trap like the first onslaught!” quipped one user, referencing the infamous seat spat.

Another piled on: “What has Akpabio done in his constituency with all the funds? Natasha’s showing receipts.” Supporters, meanwhile, cheered it as proof of her resilience: “Inviting the Senate President post-suspension? That’s queen energy – showing capacity despite the drama.”

As Sunday approaches, all eyes are on whether Akpabio will make the trip to Kogi – and if this “drama” signals the end of the bad blood or just Act Two in Nigeria’s endless political soap opera.

For Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose projects include vital infrastructure for her constituents, it’s a chance to spotlight her deliverables. For the Senate, it’s a reminder that in the game of thrones on the Marble Hall, today’s foe can be tomorrow’s guest of honor. Stay tuned – the commissioning could be as eventful as the invitation itself.