Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Refuses to Apologize for Her Return to the Senate
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made it clear that she will not apologize to her colleagues in the Senate, even if that is a condition for her return to the premises. The Kogi Central senator returned to the National Assembly (NASS) Complex on Tuesday at 1:09 pm, following an earlier decision by the Senate to unseal her office. She described her suspension as “illegal” and emphasized that she would not comply with any demands for an apology.
The situation surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan has been marked by controversy since her suspension in March 2025. The incident stemmed from a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat arrangements. A subsequent investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions led to her six-month suspension, which was approved by the plenary session presided over by Akpabio. However, lawmakers had indicated that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if she issued a written apology.
Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained steadfast in her refusal to apologize. She argued that the suspension was unjust and that the document leading to her removal was fraudulent. “You can’t apologize for an injustice,” she said, adding that the recommendation for her suspension was drafted by the Senate President’s office and signed without proper authority. She claimed that the entire process was riddled with illegality, which she believes reflects a broader issue of corruption within the National Assembly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the Senate President of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State in December 2023. In a petition submitted to the 10th Senate, she alleged sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties. Despite these serious claims, she has continued to fight for her right to return to the Senate, stating that she will not be intimidated by those who seek to silence her.
Her return to the NASS Complex has sparked significant public interest, with supporters gathering outside the gates and security forces tightening their presence. The senator expressed gratitude to her supporters, including lawyers, her husband, opposition political parties, women groups, the media, and her constituents. She emphasized that her efforts to return were driven by a commitment to representing her people and upholding justice and transparency.
The Senate had initially planned to resume its plenary sessions on September 23, but the date was pushed back to October 7, 2025. This shift came after Akpoti-Uduaghan announced her intention to return to the chamber, despite the Senate’s claim that her resumption was still pending due to ongoing legal proceedings. In a letter dated September 4, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly stated that her return was not possible until the Court of Appeal ruled on the matter.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan warned the Clerk against any attempts to block her return, threatening legal action if necessary. Her legal team, led by Chief Michael Numa (SAN), reiterated that she would pursue all available avenues to ensure her right to serve.
In response to the growing controversy, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) weighed in, stating that it is illegal for the Senate President to prevent Akpoti-Uduaghan from returning to the NASS complex after her suspension ended. NBA President Afam Osigwe SAN argued that while the matter is before the courts, the suspension period has expired, and she should be allowed to resume her duties. He emphasized that the Senate should act honorably and ensure that her constituents are not left unrepresented.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions within the National Assembly and raises questions about the integrity of its processes. As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will be able to fully resume her role as a senator and advocate for her constituents.
