Senate suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over rules violation

The suspension was based on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on Thursday.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while reading the committee’s recommendations, stated:

“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended) for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium.” 

Despite attempts by some senators to reduce the suspension period to three months, the Senate, through a majority vote, upheld the initial six-month decision.

Beyond the six-month suspension, the Senate imposed further disciplinary measures on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including:

On 28 February 2025, the Kogi Central Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his home in December 2023.

She resisted the relocation, leading to a confrontation between her and the Senate President.

The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked mixed reactions within the political landscape. While some lawmakers and political analysts view the decision as a necessary enforcement of legislative discipline, others argue that the penalties are excessive and could set a precedent for stifling dissent within the chamber.