The Nigerian Senate has, in recent weeks, found itself at the center of a storm following the dramatic suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central
The development, which has sparked intense public debate, touches on issues of legislative authority, gender politics, and the handling of misconduct allegations within the National Assembly.
The controversy began on February 25, 2025, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate chamber to find that her designated seat had been reassigned without prior notice. The decision, made by the Senate leadership, did not sit well with the Kogi Central senator, who vehemently protested the move.
Despite attempts by the Minority Leader and other senior senators to pacify her, she refused to accept the new seating arrangement, arguing that it was politically motivated. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who ordered her to comply with the directive.
The disagreement disrupted proceedings and set the stage for what would become a defining moment in the 10th Senate. However, in the midst of the turmoil, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made a startling revelation, accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
According to her, the alleged incident took place on December 8, 2023. The accusation, however, came months after the alleged incident and only after the controversy over her seat reassignment, raising questions about its timing and intent.
Akpabio swiftly denied the allegations, describing them as false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. He argued that the claim was politically motivated and meant to distract from the real issues surrounding the senator’s conduct. “I have always conducted myself with the utmost respect for my colleagues, and I categorically deny these claims,” Akpabio said,
He emphasised that he had never engaged in any inappropriate behavior toward Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other senator.
In the wake of the allegation, some political figures and commentators pointed out that this was not the first time Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused powerful men of misconduct.
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri took to social media to remind Nigerians that the senator had previously accused former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of orchestrating electoral violence against her.
Omokri also mentioned other instances where she had alleged victimisation, questioning whether this pattern suggested a strategy of political confrontation rather than genuine grievances.
Similarly, supporters of Akpabio cited the resurfacing of these past allegations as a reason to question the senator’s credibility, arguing that frequent accusations against different individuals might indicate a tendency toward political theatrics rather than substantiated claims.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters dismissed these arguments, insisting that repeated accusations could also point to the systemic oppression of women in politics rather than any deliberate fabrication on her part.
Following the uproar over the seat reassignment saga, the Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct to its Ethics Committee, which investigated the matter and found her in violation of Senate rules. The committee’s report detailed several infractions that led to her suspension.
One of the key violations cited was her refusal to sit in her reassigned seat during the plenary session, despite repeated instructions from the presiding officer. Her insistence on remaining in her original seat was viewed as defiance of Senate authority and a disruption of parliamentary order.
Another major issue flagged by the committee was her conduct on the Senate floor, particularly speaking without recognition.
According to the committee, the senator persistently addressed the chamber outside of the designated speaking order, which was deemed a violation of legislative rules.
The report also highlighted her unruly and disruptive behavior, stating that her actions on February 25 created unnecessary tension and hindered the smooth conduct of Senate proceedings. This was further compounded by abusive and disrespectful remarks directed at the Senate leadership, which the committee deemed inappropriate and unbecoming of a legislator.
Furthermore, the committee noted that she failed to honor an invitation to appear before it as part of its investigations. Her refusal to submit to the internal disciplinary process was interpreted as disregard for Senate rules and procedures.
Based on these findings, the Senate adopted the committee’s recommendation to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. As part of the suspension, she would be denied access to her office, and all allowances and privileges, including security details, would be withdrawn for the duration of the suspension.
Reactions and the legal battle
The suspension has elicited sharp reactions from various quarters. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the action, describing it as an attempt to silence opposition voices in the Senate. The party further argued that the decision was politically motivated and aimed at punishing Akpoti-Uduaghan for speaking out against the Senate leadership.
Similarly, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the suspension as a travesty of justice, arguing that the Senate President should have recused himself from the proceedings, given that Akpoti-Uduaghan had leveled allegations against him.
Women’s rights activists and civil society groups have also expressed concern over the incident, warning that the suspension of one of the few female senators in the National Assembly sends a troubling message about the treatment of women in politics.
Also, Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, described the Senate’s action as a clear abuse of power, insisting that the allegations of sexual harassment should have been properly investigated before any disciplinary measures were taken against the senator.
Determined to challenge the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Akpabio, seeking ¦ 100 billion in damages for what she termed an unjust and politically motivated suspension. She insists that she was targeted for standing her ground and speaking against alleged intimidation within the Senate.
Legal analysts are divided on the matter. While some argue that the Senate has the constitutional right to discipline its members, others believe that suspending a duly elected senator for six months denies the people of Kogi Central their representation in the National Assembly.
A deeper concern beyond the political drama is the broader issues of gender dynamics in Nigerian politics. The suspension of one of the few female senators raises concerns about the systemic challenges women face in leadership roles.
Many observers argue that disciplinary actions in the Senate should be handled with greater transparency to ensure that they are not weaponized for political purposes or to silence dissenting voices.
Furthermore, this episode emphasises the need for legislative reforms to prevent such controversies in the future. Establishing clear and fair mechanisms for addressing misconduct allegations especially those as serious as sexual harassment will not only enhance the credibility of the National Assembly but also protect the integrity of its members.
One thing, however, is certain: the fallout from this case will not be forgotten anytime soon.
