Natasha Akpoti, Senate Security Clash Over Suspension

Natasha Akpoti, Senate Security Clash Over Suspension

The Nigerian Senate witnessed high political drama as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attempted to resume legislative duties, defying security blockades at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on March 6, 2025, after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her suspension followed a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics. However, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was excessive, urging a review—though not issuing a binding reinstatement order.

Arriving with a crowd of supporters and civil rights activist Aisha Yesufu, the senator faced armed Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) officers who locked all entrances to the complex, preventing her from entering. Her vehicle was denied access, forcing her to walk to the gate. She was later stopped by security agents acting on “orders from above.”

The standoff resulted in chaos, stranding Senate staff, visitors, and vehicles as the National Assembly gates were locked down.

“I’m no longer suspended,” Natasha stated. “The judgment says my suspension is excessive and unconstitutional. I was elected to serve, not silenced.”

She argued that the suspension violated Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires senators to attend a minimum of 181 sitting days per year to carry out constitutional functions like legislation, oversight, and representation.

Prior to the incident, Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu reiterated the chamber's position that no binding court order compels Natasha’s reinstatement. The Senate claims the ruling was advisory and does not mandate immediate recall.

The Senate also pointed out that Natasha had been found guilty of contempt of court, fined ₦5 million, and ordered to issue public apologies in national newspapers and on Facebook a directive she has yet to follow.

“There is no subsisting order directing the Senate to lift her suspension,” the Senate reiterated, warning her against “acting on an imaginary recall.”

Following the standoff, Natasha vowed to return to court for clarification and a possible appeal to compel enforcement. She claimed that the process leading to her suspension was fraudulent, alleging that the signatures backing the recommendation were faked.

“It was a photocopied attendance sheet passed off as a recommendation. The suspension was politically motivated and aimed at silencing me,” she asserted.

Aisha Yesufu condemned the actions of the security agents, calling it “a betrayal of democracy.”

“This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not a private compound. Why is a sitting senator being denied access?” she demanded.

Legal analyst Ken Harries criticized Natasha’s attempt to force entry, saying it amounted to self-help and undermined the rule of law.

“You cannot enforce a judgment you have appealed against without due process. Until she complies with the judgment payment and apologies she lacks the moral ground to accuse others of impunity,” he noted.