Akpabio Breaks Silence, Offers Way Out Of Senator Natasha’s Suspension Drama

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has finally addressed the lingering suspension saga involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, offering insight into how the matter could have been resolved without prolonged controversy.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended from the upper chamber in March 2025 for alleged misconduct. Since then, the senator has made two failed attempts to resume plenary, insisting that a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja had nullified her suspension.

However, Akpabio’s media aide, Kenny Okolugbo, in a statement on Monday, countered that claim. He stated that contrary to the senator’s public assertion, the court did not explicitly order her reinstatement.

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.

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, however, warned that the political drama could damage the credibility of women in politics.

“There are only four female senators in the entire country. Weaponising gender and twisting the truth for political advantage sets back the fight for representation,” he concluded.