ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, March 6, 2025, suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months over allegations of misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s sitting arrangement.
The suspension, effective immediately, also includes the withdrawal of her security aides and the suspension of her salary and allowances.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after a majority of senators voted in favour of her suspension during plenary.
However, the chamber stated that her suspension could be reconsidered if she submits a written apology.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began on February 20, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to occupy a reassigned seat, arguing that the move was made without her consent and violated her privileges.
The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), for investigation.
Presenting the committee’s report, Mr Imasuen stated that the panel reviewed the complaint against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan based on constitutional provisions, Senate standing rules, and principles of justice.
The senator was invited to provide her defence but declined to appear before the committee, an action deemed disrespectful.
Committee’s Findings and Recommendations
The committee gathered testimonies from multiple witnesses, including Benue North-West Senator Titus Zam, Sergeant-at-Arms Mukthar Daudawa, and Brigadier General Etido Ekpo (Rtd), head of the Senate’s security unit. According to the report, their testimonies were against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Following its findings, the committee recommended:
- A six-month suspension from legislative activities, effective March 6.
- Closure of her National Assembly office.
- Withdrawal of all security aides.
- Prohibition from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension period.
- Suspension of her salary and allowances.
- Prohibition from representing herself as a senator at any official engagements during the suspension.
The recommendations were adopted after a debate among senators.
Senators React
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South) seconded the motion for suspension, arguing that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct violated Senate rules and must be addressed accordingly.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) claimed efforts to persuade her to apologise were unsuccessful.
Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) pleaded for a reduction of the suspension to three months but still criticised her conduct.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Fadahunsi (PDP, Osun East) cautioned Senator President Akpabio about his handling of relationships with fellow senators, stating that the Senate president “does not have friends around him again.”
Senator Mohammed Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) suggested that her suspension could be lifted if she formally apologises.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) clarified that the decision was not influenced by gender, ethnicity, or political affiliations but by her failure to adhere to Senate rules.
Mr Bamidele advised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to use her suspension to study the Senate rule book to avoid future infractions.
Senate President’s Response
Senate President Akpabio defended the chamber’s decision, stating that it was guided by the Nigerian Constitution and Senate rules.
He dismissed sexual harassment allegations made against him by Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling them “sponsored and generated blackmail.”
Recalling his past support for the senator, Akpabio mentioned that he had travelled to Kogi State for her wedding despite the state lacking an airport.
He put the committee’s recommendations to a vote, which resulted in a majority supporting her suspension.
As she was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was heard protesting: “This injustice will not be sustained, the pursuit for justice…”
A Growing Trend of Suspensions?
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan becomes the second senator of the 10th Senate to be suspended, following the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) last year after alleging irregularities in the 2024 budget.
The senator’s next steps remain unclear.
Given her outspoken stance and history of activism, political observers speculate that she may challenge the Senate’s decision in court rather than issue an apology.
