Akpabio Breaks Silence On Natasha’s Suspension: Says Simple Apology Could Have Ended Standoff

Abuja, Nigeria– Senate President Godswill Akpabio has waded into the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that her continued exclusion from plenary sessions could have been resolved with a simple apology.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended in March 2025 over allegations of misconduct.

However, despite a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which she claimed nullified the suspension, her attempts to return to the red chamber have been unsuccessful.

Speaking through his media aide, Kenny Okolugbo, on Monday, Akpabio clarified that the court ruling did not explicitly order her reinstatement.

“Ground 23 of her appeal in the case Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors reveals that while the judge found the suspension excessive and outside the constitutional powers granted under Section 63, the court did not formally set aside the suspension,” Okolugbo explained.

He added that all Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan needed to do was apologise to the Senate for her conduct, and the suspension would have been lifted without further controversy.

According to Okolugbo, “This clearly shows that her claim of being reinstated by the court is misleading.

“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.

Okolugbo also characterised her attempt to return to the Senate chambers on July 22 as a publicity 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 emphasised that the Senate had not received any official court order mandating her reinstatement, noting that due process would have been followed if such a directive had come through the appropriate 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.”

Meanwhile, despite the senator’s absence, Okolugbo noted that legislative activities for Kogi Central continued.

He pointed to ongoing progress on several of her proposed bills, including one aimed at establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima.

However, he cautioned that the political controversy could undermine 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 added.