By Prosper Mene
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the embattled lawmaker from Kogi Central, has categorically denied reports circulating today that she offered an apology to the Nigerian Senate over the incident that triggered her six-month suspension on March 6, 2025. The senator’s firm rebuttal intensifies an already contentious saga that has gripped Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a statement issued Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the apology claims as “baseless,” asserting her resolve to stand by her actions and statements. “I have not apologized to the Senate, and I reject any suggestion to the contrary,” she said. “These rumors are a deliberate attempt to undermine my position and confuse the public.” Her suspension stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—claims he has denied—followed by what the Senate described as her disruptive conduct.
The controversy has thrust gender and power dynamics in Nigerian politics into the spotlight, with Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-seat chamber, framing her punishment as retaliation for speaking out. “This is bigger than me,” she added. “It’s about ensuring women in this country are not silenced for demanding respect and accountability.”
The denial coincides with escalating pressure from her constituents, who reportedly submitted a recall petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on March 24, claiming signatures from over half of Kogi Central’s registered voters. While INEC has yet to confirm the petition’s validity, the move signals a potential new front in the senator’s battle to retain her seat.
Akpoti-Uduaghan remains defiant amid these challenges. She has legal action pending against Akpabio, seeking 100 billion naira ($64,000) in damages for defamation, and another suit contesting her suspension, with a court date set for March 25. Her recent BBC interview, where she likened the Senate to a “cult” and voiced safety fears after losing her security detail, continues to fuel public discourse.
Reactions are sharply divided. Supporters laud her as a trailblazer challenging entrenched patriarchy, while detractors argue her conduct has alienated her base, justifying the recall push. As INEC reviews the petition and her legal battles loom, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s next moves will be closely watched.
The senator urged Nigerians to “disregard the falsehoods” and promised to keep fighting for her constituents.
