By Rose Peter Graham 


In the theater of Nigerian politics, where power is currency and perception is everything, the unfolding drama between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio is as gripping as it is controversial. We may never know the full story-after all, in matters like these, only God holds the absolute truth. But if you ask me, Natasha did herself no favors.


The Public Court Is Not the First Court


Social media, that relentless and unforgiving public tribunal, should never have been Natasha’s first port of call. The court of public opinion thrives on spectacle, not strategy. And yet, something tells me that Natasha is playing a long game-holding onto a decisive joker she intends to unveil at the right moment. Because let’s be honest: she isn’t just a beautiful woman; she is also a brilliant one. And she’s being cautious. Perhaps she has learned from past missteps, like her public clash with Reno Omokri, who swiftly turned the tables on her.


But Natasha, what exactly is your endgame? Why does it seem like calling out public figures for sexual harassment has become a side pursuit?


Power, Politics, and the Art of Negotiation


No, Natasha. No. This could have been handled differently-better. You are beautiful, intelligent, and powerful-socially, politically, even sexually. And yet, instead of leveraging your position strategically, you took the scorched-earth approach. As a woman who has clawed her way into the hallowed chambers of the Nigerian Senate, you should know that in politics, outright confrontation is rarely the smartest move.


Let’s talk about realpolitik-the kind of pragmatism that defines political longevity. If Akpabio truly made advances, a savvy woman would have turned the moment into an opportunity. Because politics, as we say, is a dirty game, and if you must play, bring your brand of soap. Did you think that publicly embarrassing the Senate President would leave him cowed? That he would roll over in defeat? That the Senate-a patriarchal institution to its core-would rally behind you in applause, chanting, “All hail the most righteous woman in Nigeria”?


Let’s be honest: in a political power play, do you truly believe you hold more electoral weight than Godswill Akpabio? The man is not just a political figure; he is an institution unto himself.


Strategy Over Emotion


Natasha, I don’t doubt that you have your reasons or even damning evidence in your arsenal. But as someone who intends to play the long game in Nigerian politics, you must ask yourself: Was this move truly in the best interest of your constituents, or was it about drawing attention to yourself? Because if the former were your priority, this would have been handled with greater finesse, not fiery public accusations.


And Akpabio? Guilty as charged. Even a blind man could tell you that. But you didn’t need to tell us. His history precedes him, many might say. Same people would as you, if you really did not foresee that he has an equally formidable amazon at home, one who would stand by his side, armed with the full weight of state machinery?


I expected more from you, Natasha. Less theatrics, more tactical patience. You are a warrior, a survivor of many battles. And every great warrior knows that timing is everything. On this one, you dropped the ball.


But I’ll wait. Because something tells me, this game isn’t over yet.




Rose Peter Graham writes in from London as an influential online personality and respected political and social commentator. She is the host of Roseonallsides.com on BEN Television UK, where she provides incisive analysis and thought-provoking commentary on current events.