After months of political exile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has finally returned to the Red Chamber, marking a dramatic comeback that has set Nigeria’s political space buzzing.
On Tuesday, relief came as her office in Suite 2.05, Senate Wing, was unsealed by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly. The red wax seal placed on March 6, 2025, after her controversial suspension, was peeled off by Deputy Director Alabi Adedeji, in full view of security personnel and jubilant supporters.
For Natasha’s followers, this was more than an office reopening. It was a symbol of resilience and survival against political intimidation.
Why Natasha Was Suspended
Her suspension followed fiery clashes over seating arrangements in the Senate and her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Known for her bold contributions on governance and equity, Natasha’s voice had become too unsettling for the establishment, sparking her dramatic removal from the chamber.
Natasha Speaks: “I Have No Apology”
In her first remarks after her return, Natasha was unbowed:
“We can’t cower down in the face of injustice. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. It is so unfortunate that a National Assembly would be run by such dictatorship. It is totally unacceptable.”
She credited her resilience to God, her constituents, and her husband, declaring she had no apologies to tender.
Political Heavyweights React
- Atiku Abubakar hailed her return as a collective resistance against intimidation, linking her ordeal to a wider pattern of authoritarianism under President Tinubu’s administration.
- Aisha Yesufu accused the Senate of being used as a political weapon, urging lawmakers to reclaim their independence.
- Obiageli Ezekwesili and other observers warned that silencing Natasha would only deepen gender and inclusion fault lines in Nigeria’s democracy.
Analysts Urge Caution
Legal experts like Olu Omotayo welcomed her reinstatement but urged her to respect Senate rules to avoid future confrontations.
Political analysts, however, warned that Natasha’s outspoken style could spark another clash with leadership. Dr. Nduka Odo of Peaceland University advised her to “play a smarter game,” warning that colleagues could attempt to discredit her or block her re-election in 2027.
What Next?
Natasha’s comeback is a test of survival in Nigeria’s turbulent political arena. While she remains a beacon of courage for many, her journey ahead will be marked by balancing boldness with strategy.
Her return has once again spotlighted the delicate dance between democracy, inclusiveness, and power struggles in Nigeria’s legislature.
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