The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months, following a series of disputes with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Background of the Dispute
The tension between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio escalated in February 2025 over a disagreement regarding seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
Upon discovering that her seat had been reassigned without prior notice, Akpoti-Uduaghan protested, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges. She stated, “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.”
In response, Akpabio ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove her from the chamber, warning of possible suspension if she continued to be disruptive.
This incident followed a previous altercation in July 2024, when Akpabio reprimanded Akpoti-Uduaghan during a plenary session, stating, “This is not a nightclub.”
The remark was widely criticised as sexist, leading Akpabio to later apologise, saying, “I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women.”
Legal Actions and Allegations
In February 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his aide, Mfon Patrick, over a Facebook post that she claimed was defamatory.
The post allegedly stated, “It is a bottled anger by the Kogi lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about ‘pancaking’ her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan contended that the publication harmed her reputation and subjected her to public ridicule.
Further intensifying the dispute, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he blocked her motions because she rejected his advances.
Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, refuted these claims and filed lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan for defamation and violation of fundamental human rights.
Unoma Akpabio described the allegations as “false, malicious, and damaging,” seeking ₦250 billion in compensation and a public apology.
Senate Committee’s Findings and Suspension
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, investigated the disputes and recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
The committee’s report, presented during plenary on Thursday, highlighted her refusal to adhere to Senate rules and her conduct during sessions.
The Senate adopted the committee’s recommendations, resulting in her immediate suspension from all legislative activities for six months.
Additionally, her office is to be sealed, and she is required to return all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly for the duration of the suspension.
As of now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not publicly responded to her suspension.
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