Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating a personal vendetta against her, alleging that he is leveraging the Senate’s authority to silence her for speaking out against sexual harassment.
Speaking to journalists at the gate of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her suspension was declared illegal by a Federal High Court, and insisted that she remains the duly elected senator for her district.
“There is no legal basis for me not to resume today,” she said. “Justice Binta Nyako ruled that my suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.”
No Senate Appeal, Only Akpabio’s Lawsuit — Natasha
She dismissed reports that her resumption was stalled due to an appeal filed by the Senate. According to her, the Senate as an institution has not appealed the judgment nullifying her suspension. Instead, Senator Akpabio, she claimed, filed a personal suit alongside others involved in the suspension process.
“It’s important to clarify: the appeal was filed by Akpabio in his personal capacity — not the Senate. That makes a world of difference,” she said.
Alleged Flawed Suspension Process
Akpoti-Uduaghan further argued that the document used to suspend her lacked legitimacy.
“The so-called report recommending my suspension was just a photocopied attendance sheet of the Senate Ethics Committee,” she stated. “No formal endorsement. The entire process is invalid.”
Suspension Linked to Sexual Harassment Petition
The senator said her ordeal began shortly after she submitted a petition on sexual harassment, suggesting that her suspension the following day was retaliatory.
“This is clearly persecution. Why was I suspended the very next day? Why the attacks, threats, and fraudulent recall attempt? Why is the Senate President, in particular, hostile toward me?”
She described Akpabio’s leadership as autocratic, likening his control of the Senate to that of a “third-term governor” who governs by intimidation.
“When I spoke up on the Senate floor, it wasn’t just defiance—it was the cry of someone who has endured a year of systemic oppression.”
Pending Charges and Intimidation Claims
Akpoti-Uduaghan also revealed that she is facing two federal criminal cases, which she described as “frivolous” and intended to intimidate her. The cases, she said, center around alleged criminal defamation after speaking out about threats to her life.
“I am not on trial for corruption, embezzlement, or anything related to abuse of office. Yet those who threaten me are walking free — some even hold office.”
Locked Out of the National Assembly
Earlier in the day, Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters were denied entry into the National Assembly. All gates were reportedly locked by security operatives, leaving many staff and visitors stranded.
“Despite the court’s ruling, I was physically barred from resuming. This is no longer a matter of legality alone—it’s about respect for democratic principles.”
Senate Maintains Suspension Stands
In a statement issued Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, reaffirmed that Senator Natasha remains suspended and must comply with court directives, including paying a ₦5 million fine and publishing a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page.
“There is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before her suspension expires,” Adaramodu said.
Background: Court Judgment in Natasha’s Favor
In March 2025, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct. She filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Binta Nyako ruled in her favor, calling the suspension excessive and unconstitutional. The judge stressed that denying a senator plenary attendance for nearly the entire legislative year amounts to silencing an entire constituency.
“I Will Not Be Silenced” — Natasha Vows to Keep Fighting
Despite institutional pushback, Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to pursue both legal and moral avenues to reclaim her place in the Senate.
“I won’t apologise for standing against abuse and injustice. I’ll keep working for my people regardless. Let no woman be punished for speaking up. Let no Nigerian be silenced for demanding justice.”
She also expressed hope that her struggle will inspire a new wave of courageous and principled leadership, particularly among women, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
