‘The Senate is Not a Reality Show’
By: IDNN News Politics
The political standoff between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has deepened, with Akpabio’s media aide warning that the Senate “is not a reality show” and demanding a public apology from the embattled lawmaker.
Natasha, who has been serving a six-month suspension, twice attempted to force her way back into plenary in July, citing a Federal High Court judgment she claimed nullified her suspension. On July 22, she arrived at the National Assembly with supporters and media cameras, but was barred entry.
Kenny Okolugbo, an aide to Akpabio, told Daily Post that Natasha’s reliance on the court judgment was misleading. He pointed to “Ground 23” of her appeal in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors, which he said proved the lower court had not explicitly set aside the suspension.
“There was no official communication from the court to the Senate leadership directing her reinstatement,” Okolugbo said.
“Instead, she arrived with street urchins in what was clearly a staged spectacle.”
⚖️ Suspension Not Personal, Says Akpabio Camp
Okolugbo stressed that Natasha’s suspension was based on Senate rules and the 1999 Constitution, not personal grievances, and that due process was followed under Section 60.
“All she needed to do was apologize publicly, and the suspension would have been lifted. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so, but she refused,” he added.
He also rejected claims that her suspension had harmed representation for Kogi Central, noting that her legislative bills — including one for a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima — had progressed during her absence.
🚺 Gender Politics Warning
The Senate President’s aide cautioned that politicizing the suspension through a gender lens could harm female participation in Nigerian politics.
“Nigeria has only four female senators. When one weaponizes gender and distorts the truth, it undermines real struggles and damages credibility,” Okolugbo said.
For now, the Senate leadership maintains that Natasha’s path back to the red chamber lies in a public apology — something she has yet to offer.
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