Senate Suspends Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for Six Months Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) for six months over allegations of misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension, which took effect immediately, bars Akpoti-Uduaghan from participating in all legislative activities and requires her to vacate her office and hand over all Senate property to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.
The decision came a day after a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from investigating Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct. The court ordered the Senate to show cause within 72 hours why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued to halt the probe, citing violations of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
Despite the court order, the Senate proceeded with the suspension, which also includes the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security details, the stoppage of her salaries and allowances, and a ban on her representing herself as a senator during the suspension period. Additionally, the Senate initially recommended withholding the salaries of her legislative aides, but Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) successfully moved an amendment to allow the aides to continue receiving their salaries on compassionate grounds.
Background of the Suspension
The suspension stems from a heated confrontation during the Senate plenary on February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat and the removal of her nameplate. Her actions were deemed “unethical and unbecoming of a senator” by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South).
The committee’s report, presented during the plenary, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of refusing to uphold the moral sanctity of the Senate and failing to appear before the committee to explain her actions. Despite pleas from Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) to reduce the suspension to three months, the Senate upheld the six-month recommendation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Response
Reacting to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan described it as unjust and a violation of the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity. She vowed to continue serving her constituents and country, stating, “The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond.”
Her microphone was abruptly switched off by the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mukhtar Dawodawa, as she attempted to address the Senate, and she was escorted out of the chamber.
Sexual Harassment Allegations
Earlier on the day of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan re-submitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio, this time on behalf of her constituents led by Zubairu Yakubu. The petition was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, with a directive to report back in four weeks.
This marked the second time Akpoti-Uduaghan had presented the petition. A previous attempt was blocked by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), who cited Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, arguing that the matter was sub judice due to ongoing court proceedings involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The Labour Party (LP) condemned the suspension, describing it as illegal and a denial of the rights of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents. LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh stated, “The Senate has no right to suspend her. The very democratic process that brought many of its members to power is the same process through which Natasha was elected.”
Legal experts also criticized the Senate’s actions. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun noted that the suspension violated Order 67(4) of the Senate Rules, which limits suspensions to 14 days. He described the Senate’s disregard for the court order as “lawless” and “legislative rascality.”
Activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju called for an impartial investigation into the sexual harassment allegations, emphasizing that Akpabio should step aside to ensure fairness. “Akpabio cannot serve as a judge in his own case,” Adeyanju stated.
Implications for the Senate
The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked a broader debate about the integrity of the Senate’s investigative processes and its adherence to the rule of law. Critics argue that the Senate’s actions undermine democratic principles and set a dangerous precedent for handling disputes and allegations within the legislative body.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders are calling for transparency, accountability, and respect for due process to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
