Natasha Accuses Akpabio of Vendetta, Says Senators Opposing Her Should Be in Jail

DDM News

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of waging a personal vendetta against her using the powers of the National Assembly.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the embattled senator made this claim while addressing journalists outside the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, after she was barred from entering the chambers to resume plenary.

Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate for six months in March 2025 over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with plenary seating arrangements.

However, a Federal High Court in Abuja declared her suspension illegal, excessive, and unconstitutional, and ordered her reinstatement.

Justice Binta Nyako, in her judgment, ruled that suspending a senator for the equivalent of a full legislative calendar violated the rights of the constituents who elected that senator.

Despite this, Natasha’s attempts to resume plenary have been frustrated.

Security operatives reportedly locked all gates leading to the National Assembly upon her arrival on Tuesday, effectively blocking her and her supporters.

Natasha condemned the actions of the Senate and accused Akpabio of leading a hostile campaign against her for daring to raise allegations of sexual harassment within the Senate.

She pointed out that her suspension came just one day after she submitted a formal petition on the matter.

According to her, the document recommending her suspension was never formally endorsed and was merely a photocopy of the Ethics Committee’s attendance sheet, rendering the entire process fraudulent.

She stated that Akpabio had taken the matter to court as a private citizen, not on behalf of the Senate, undermining the legal narrative being pushed by his allies.

She questioned why the Senate President, in particular, had remained hostile toward her.

Natasha stressed that some of the senators pushing for her removal had ongoing corruption cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and if justice prevailed, they should be facing prison, not legislative power.

She said, “I am not on trial for corruption, embezzlement, drug trafficking, or murder. Yet those accusing me are tainted by looted public funds.”

She lamented the climate of fear in the Senate, describing Akpabio’s leadership as autocratic and silencing of dissent.

“Many senators are afraid to speak. This is not democracy. It is legislative tyranny,” she said.

Despite being locked out of the chambers, she vowed to continue the legal battle and insisted she was no longer under suspension.

She reaffirmed her dedication to her constituents and her refusal to apologize for what she called a principled stand against abuse.

“I came into politics as a technocrat and lawyer to raise the bar, not to be silenced. I will keep fighting,” she declared.

She also encouraged Nigerian women to be bold, saying her ordeal should inspire others to challenge injustice and not be afraid to speak up.

Meanwhile, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu argued that Natasha had not met the court’s conditions for reinstatement, including a ₦5 million fine and a public apology.

He warned her to stay away from the National Assembly until she complied.

The controversy caused gridlock at the National Assembly gate, as security lockdowns stranded staff, visitors, and motorists alike.

The political standoff continues as both camps prepare for further legal and public battles.

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