Akpabio breaks silence on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, revealing that the issue could have been resolved amicably if the Kogi Central lawmaker had simply offered a public apology.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate in March 2025 for alleged misconduct, a decision she challenged in court. Although she has since made two unsuccessful attempts to return to plenary—citing a Federal High Court ruling which she claims nullified her suspension—the Senate leadership insists the ruling did not reinstate her.

In a statement released Monday, Akpabio’s media aide, Kenny Okolugbo, clarified that the court did not issue a direct order mandating her reinstatement.

“Ground 23 of her appeal in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors shows the judge only deemed the suspension ‘excessive’ and beyond the powers of Section 63 of the Constitution. But crucially, the suspension was not set aside,” he said.

Okolugbo maintained that the Senate had shown a willingness to lift the suspension if Akpoti-Uduaghan had issued an apology.

“All she needed to do was apologise. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so, but she refused,” he noted.

He went on to describe her dramatic return attempt to the Senate chambers on July 22 as a “media stunt.”

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“She arrived with supporters and camera crews like it was a political reality show. The Senate isn’t a stage for theatrics; there are rules that must be followed.”

Addressing speculation about political bias or gender discrimination, Okolugbo emphasized that the suspension was grounded in constitutional authority.

“It wasn’t about politics or gender. The Senate acted within the powers granted under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders.”

He also pushed back against concerns that her absence had left a vacuum in legislative representation for Kogi Central.

“Legislative work hasn’t stalled. Some of her proposed bills, like the one seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, are still making progress,” he added.

However, Okolugbo warned that politicizing the issue and framing it as a gender-based attack could hurt the cause of women in politics.

“There are only four female senators nationwide. Weaponizing gender and twisting the facts for sympathy undermines the broader struggle for equitable representation.”

As the controversy lingers, the Senate has not ruled out reinstatement—provided due process is followed and the senator issues an apology. But for now, the political drama surrounding Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains unresolved.