(In Nigeria) Senator Natasha’s Suspension Stands Until Senate Resumes – Spokesman

 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, remains suspended from the Nigerian Senate until the chamber resumes in two months. This confirmation was given by Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu during a Tuesday appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today. He clarified that her suspension is still in effect despite recent attempts by the lawmaker to return to legislative duties. Adaramodu noted that the Senate takes its internal rules seriously and is not a platform for theatrics. “We are legislators, not skit makers,” he said, responding to ongoing public commentary about the controversy. The Senate had barred Natasha from entering the chamber earlier that day when she arrived at the National Assembly. Natasha’s suspension dates back to March 2025. She was sanctioned for allegedly violating Senate rules after engaging in a heated seat arrangement dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The matter escalated when she accused Akpabio of sexual misconduct allegations he firmly denied. Her claims and the Senate’s response caused widespread discussion across Nigeria, with public opinion sharply divided. Her return attempt on July 22 was met with resistance, as officials stood by the previous disciplinary decision. According to Adaramodu, the issue remains closed until the legislative recess ends. Her case remains a rare high-profile instance of internal conflict in Nigeria’s Senate being brought into the public domain with such intensity.

See also: Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Denied Entry to National Assembly Amid Suspension Dispute

The drama surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has continued to draw national attention, especially after her unsuccessful attempt to resume Senate duties. The Senate has made it clear that her suspension remains valid until the end of its ongoing two-month recess. This position was restated on Tuesday by the Senate's spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu. The controversy began in March 2025 when Natasha clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat allocation within the Senate chamber. The situation escalated when she accused Akpabio of sexual misconduct an explosive allegation he denied. The Senate reacted swiftly by suspending her, citing violations of its internal code of conduct. On July 22, 2025, Natasha tried to resume her role at the National Assembly in Abuja but was blocked at the entrance and not allowed to participate in proceedings. This public standoff further intensified media coverage and debate around her case. Yemi Adaramodu explained that the Senate has a duty to maintain order and discipline within its ranks. He dismissed any suggestions of personal vendettas, saying the chamber's actions are guided by rules and procedures. “We are not running a movie set,” he said, referring to the ongoing media attention and what he described as sensationalism around the case. As things stand, Senator Natasha will not be able to return to her legislative duties until the Senate officially reconvenes. Whether the Senate will revisit her suspension or allow her to resume remains uncertain. Her case has sparked wider conversations about transparency, internal democracy, and gender-related challenges within Nigeria’s political institutions. The matter is likely to resurface when the legislative session resumes.

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