Akpabio Speaks Out, Proposes Resolution to Senator Natasha’s Suspension Controversy
Akpabio Speaks Out, Proposes Resolution to Senator Natasha’s Suspension Controversy
Senate President has finally spoken on the ongoing suspension controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, shedding light on how the issue might have been resolved without escalating into a prolonged dispute.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended from the Senate in March 2025 over allegations of misconduct. Since her suspension, she has made two unsuccessful attempts to return to plenary, maintaining that a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja had overturned the suspension.
However, in a statement released on Monday, Akpabio’s media aide, Kenny Okolugbo, disputed that claim. He clarified that the court did not specifically order her reinstatement, contrary to the senator’s public assertions.
According to him, Ground 23 of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal in the case Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors reveals that while the judge considered the suspension “excessive” and beyond the powers outlined in Section 63 of the Constitution, the suspension was not set aside by the court.
“This clearly shows that her claim of being reinstated by the court is misleading,” Okolugbo said.
He further revealed that the Senate leadership was open to ending the suspension if Akpoti-Uduaghan had simply issued a public apology. “All she needed to do was apologise, and the suspension would have been lifted. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so, but she refused,” he added.
Okolugbo also described her return attempt to the Senate chambers on July 22 as a media stunt. “She came with supporters and camera crews like it was a political show. The Senate is not a reality TV stage. There are rules that guide its operation.”
He stressed that the Senate had received no official court order compelling her reinstatement, adding that due process would have been followed if such communication was received through the proper channels.
“The suspension wasn’t about politics or gender. It was in line with the powers given to the Senate by Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders,” he stated.
He stressed that the Senate had received no official court order compelling her reinstatement, adding that due process would have been followed if such communication was received through the proper channels.
“The suspension wasn’t about politics or gender. It was in line with the powers given to the Senate by Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders,” he stated.
Despite the senator’s absence, Okolugbo noted that legislative duties for Kogi Central were not abandoned. He cited ongoing progress on some of her proposed bills, including one seeking to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima.
He cautioned, however, that the ongoing political drama could harm the reputation of women in politics.
“With only four female senators in the entire country, using gender as a weapon and distorting the truth for political gain undermines the struggle for better representation,” he stated.
