The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) for six months, barring her from all legislative activities of the 10th Senate over allegations of misconduct. The decision, taken on Thursday, stems from her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20, 2025.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who earlier reintroduced a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio, dismissed the suspension as unsustainable. The Labour Party (LP) has since urged the Senate to reconsider the decision, arguing that the senator was denied due process.
Legal experts have also weighed in, condemning the Senate’s action as unconstitutional and a violation of her fundamental rights. The suspension was announced despite an injunction by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with its investigation against the senator.
The court directed the Senate and its leadership to justify why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued to prevent further proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing constitutional and procedural violations. However, the Senate moved forward with its disciplinary measures, stipulating that she must vacate her office immediately, surrender all official assets, and stay away from the National Assembly premises. Additionally, her salaries, allowances, and security details have been revoked. She is also prohibited from representing herself as a senator both domestically and internationally during the suspension.
A provision in the Senate’s resolution, however, leaves room for possible reconsideration. Should Akpoti-Uduaghan submit a written apology, the Senate may review the duration of her suspension.
The development has sparked debate among lawmakers. Senator Orji Kalu called for an amendment to the decision to suspend salaries for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s aides, arguing that they should not be punished for actions beyond their control. Despite a plea from Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro to reduce the suspension to three months, the Senate upheld the Ethics Committee’s six-month recommendation.
Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), who presented the committee’s findings, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of unethical conduct and disrespect for Senate proceedings. He emphasized that her refusal to appear before the committee, despite multiple notifications, demonstrated disregard for the legislative body.
Reacting to the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the move as unjust, asserting that it undermines natural justice, fairness, and equity. “This illegal suspension does not strip me of my legitimacy as a senator. I remain committed to serving my constituents and my country until 2027 and beyond,” she declared.
As tensions rose in the chamber, the Sergeant-at-Arms swiftly intervened, cutting off her microphone as she voiced her objections before leaving the session.
The controversy traces back to February 20, when Akpoti-Uduaghan confronted Senate President Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat, which she perceived as an unjustified action. Her protest led to a heated exchange, prompting the matter’s referral to the Ethics Committee. However, she refused to appear before the committee for a hearing.
Earlier in the day, she resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu. Despite being asked by Akpabio to confirm the petition’s legality, she maintained there were no legal impediments. The Senate President subsequently directed the Ethics Committee to investigate the claims and report back within four weeks.
The opposition Labour Party has denounced the Senate’s decision, calling it an attempt to silence dissenting voices. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, criticized the timing of the suspension, pointing out that it coincided with a global day celebrating women’s rights. He also lamented the Senate’s inaction on the sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has weighed in on the matter, stating that the Senate is addressing the controversy appropriately. In a social media post, she underscored the importance of respecting legislative institutions while assuring the public that necessary steps were being taken.
Meanwhile, legal experts and political analysts continue to debate the constitutional implications of the Senate’s decision. Former Senate Chief Whip Rowland Owie warned that the 10th Senate risks undermining its credibility by failing to adhere to due process. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kunle Edun also condemned the suspension, arguing that it violates Order 67(4) of the Senate Rules, which caps suspensions at 14 days.
Edun emphasized that the decision effectively denies the people of Kogi Central their constitutional right to representation. He further criticized the Senate for proceeding with the suspension despite an existing court injunction, calling it an act of legislative overreach.
The unfolding crisis raises broader concerns about legislative accountability and due process in Nigeria’s democracy. With legal battles looming and public scrutiny mounting, the Akpoti-Uduaghan-Akpabio standoff is far from over.
