By: Damilola Olufemi, Fatimah Idera and Helen Okechukwu
The ongoing controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has brought to the forefront deep-seated issues of power dynamics and institutional accountability within Nigeria’s Senate.
The latest in the saga was Natasha gaining access to the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday, 22nd of July, 2025, after being denied initially.
The senator, currently under a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate, had vowed to return to legislative duties, citing a court ruling which, according to her, supported her reinstatement.
READ ALSO: NASS: Tension as Senator Natasha insists on resuming amid heavy security
Her attempt to resume on Tuesday was initially blocked, as security operatives stopped her convoy from entering the premises. Senator Natasha, who was in a black vehicle, was turned back, along with another car ahead of hers that carried activist Aisha Yesufu.
The Senate had issued a stern warning to suspended Kogi senator, Natasha, advising her not to attempt a return to the National Assembly ahead of the expiration of her suspension.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chair of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, made this clear in a statement released on Sunday, saying there is no valid court ruling compelling the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated.
Reacting to the controversy, Adeola Kikelomo, a woman activist, shares her reaction to the saga and its implications for Nigeria’s system, saying, “It’s essential to create a safe and respectful environment for women in politics and governance.”
The implications of this saga are far-reaching and multifaceted. According to Kikelomo, the disregard for court verdicts and the suspension of Senator Natasha raise serious concerns about the rule of law and democratic principles in Nigeria.
“If the Senate can disregard a court verdict, it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for other institutions,” she added.
Although the Senate denied the existence of a court verdict ordering the embattled senator’s return, this newspaper’s efforts to obtain a certified copy of the judgment from Senator Natasha were unsuccessful.
As the situation continues to unfold, calls for greater accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s Senate institutions are growing louder. The controversy has sparked widespread debate and concern, with many questioning the Senate’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the authority of the judiciary.
Nigerians react
Wemimo Oluwalade, an X user (formerly known as Twitter), urged Nigerians and other activists like Oby Ezekwesili to lend their support and make themselves available as Senator Natasha enters the building. Oluwalade wrote, “Please, all well-meaning women in Nigeria should be mobilised to follow her to the National Assembly. @obyezeks @AishaYesufu. Senator Akpabio doesn’t own the National Assembly. The court has spoken. They cannot continue to deny Kogi Central its representation at the NA.”
Another user, Og Chrissy, noted that it is time to rise up and say enough to all forms of oppression, stating, “Real men shouldn’t be intimidated by the growth of women. No woman should be humiliated because one man wants to boost his ego. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to a few.”
READ ALSO: APC members defect to PDP in Kogi to back Senator Natasha
Adegoke said, “I just hope Natasha isn’t further victimised post her return to the Senate. As a young political aspirant, I can say that the next generation is watching, and how our few female leaders are treated will translate to the turnout of young women in politics. So I appeal to our leaders.”
Speaking against the choice to escort Natasha to the National Assembly, many X users had also faulted Aisha Yesufu.
@idyenoh said “This word we stand by you na em kpai MKO Abiola. BE CAREFUL SE.NATASHA.”
@Tmone_123 explained that “With your dirty stinky hijab stand by nonsense, You’ll be put to jail just try nonsense at the national assembly na that time you go know say government dey with that oriburuku wey the life of the failed genders like you dey parade themselves up and down.”
@generous0211 added that “Aisha Yesufu has turned to political thug.”
