Prosper Mene
Abuja, October 22, 2025
A charged atmosphere gripped the Nigerian Senate today as President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) locked horns over a contentious clause in the Criminal Code Amendment Bill, spotlighting deep divisions on abortion rights and parliamentary procedure.
The drama unfolded during plenary session when lawmakers debated the bill, which originated in the House of Representatives and was tabled for Senate concurrence by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central). The legislation aims to modernize Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act by aligning it with “contemporary social, moral, and medical realities.” Key proposals include harsher penalties for sexual offenses, such as a life sentence for defilement—up from the current five years and a dramatic escalation in punishments for aiding abortions.
Under the bill, individuals supplying drugs or instruments for abortions would face 10 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, a steep increase from the existing three-year term. While the Senate swiftly approved the defilement clause unanimously, with Akpabio emphasizing that “defilement is even more serious than rape,” the abortion provision ignited fierce debate. Senators grappled with thorny questions: When does abortion cross into “merciful” versus “cruel” territory? Should it be permitted in cases of rape, incest, or threats to the mother’s life?
Opposition mounted quickly. Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) argued that blanket criminalization could overlook medical or religious justifications, potentially endangering lives. Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) voiced similar fears, warning that the clause might deter doctors from providing critical care or advice. “We must step down the bill for wider consultations to avoid endangering lives,” Ningi urged.
In response, Akpabio suspended deliberation on the abortion clause, referring it to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for review and a report within two weeks. The chamber adopted the motion via voice vote, seemingly closing the matter.
But the gavel’s fall did little to quell the fire. As proceedings moved forward, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her hand insistently, pleading for the floor. “Mr. Senate President, please may I speak? I am a woman, and abortion has to do with women. It is very important, sir,” she implored, her voice cutting through the chamber’s hum. This marked her first major intervention since returning from a six-month suspension earlier this year, a penalty stemming from a prior altercation with Akpabio over seating arrangements.
Akpabio, however, stood firm. “Distinguished Senator, the matter has been stepped down in totality,” he replied, initially inviting brief additions before clarifying the finality. Undeterred, Akpoti-Uduaghan pressed on, focusing on the clause’s implications for women’s health and rights.
Enter Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), who swiftly raised a point of order. “If you grant this exemption to distinguished Senator Natasha, then you must extend the same exemption to us. At the end, we shall have no rules. The rules should be firm and applied the way you have done,” Oshiomhole cautioned, invoking Senate Standing Rule 52 (Sub-6), which bars reopening concluded matters.
Akpabio sided with Oshiomhole, invoking the rule emphatically. “I rule Senator Natasha out of order,” he declared, drawing murmurs from the floor and underscoring the chamber’s rigid adherence to protocol amid emotional stakes.
Post-plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not mince words about her frustration. “I am disappointed I wasn’t allowed to speak about an issue that concerns women,” she told reporters. “My hand was up throughout the debate, and I felt the Senate President should have recognized me. I remain passionate about issues affecting women and intend to make my inputs when the bill reaches the committee stage.”
The clash adds to a string of procedural tussles involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose bold style has both endeared her to advocates for gender equity and irked traditionalists in the male-dominated Senate. Critics, including some online voices, speculate whether the ruling hints at lingering tensions from her suspension, though Akpabio’s office has dismissed such notions as baseless.
The episode lays bare Nigeria’s polarized stance on reproductive rights, where cultural conservatism clashes with calls for compassionate reforms. With the committee’s review looming, the bill’s fate and its potential to reshape access to safe abortions, remains in limbo, fueling anticipation for deeper consultations.
