Senate Shake-Up: Akpabio Plans Brief Exit While Committee Prepares Natasha’s Suspension

According to sources, both Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) in the coming week. This move is part of a strategy for Akpabio to “fulfill all righteousness” before taking decisive action against the suspended female senator.

Akpabio, who is currently facing allegations of sexual harassment, may temporarily step down to allow the Senate Committee to officially clear him of any wrongdoing. Following this clearance, the committee is anticipated to recommend an “indefinite suspension” for his accuser, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Sources within the Senate report that the investigation will be conducted by Senator Neda Imasuen’s committee, with a plan in place to present Akpabio as “officially innocent” of all allegations while recommending that Senator Natasha be suspended for the remainder of her tenure.

Recent statements by Senator Ireti Kingibe supporting the investigation, along with an interview featuring Senator Onyekachi Nweboyin on Channels TV, appear to be part of a coordinated effort to solidify the plan for Natasha’s suspension.

Nweboyin stated that both Akpabio and Natasha would eventually face an investigative panel. “The currently orchestrated plan is to suspend Senator Natasha until the end of her tenure. The panel’s report is in preparation, and it will merely formalize the process,” a source revealed.

Under this plan, Akpabio is expected to announce his temporary step down to face the panel. Shortly thereafter, the panel will reportedly issue a report declaring him innocent, leading to an indefinite suspension for Natasha, effectively removing her from her position until her term ends in 2027.

This development comes after Senator Natasha filed a petition with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) against Akpabio. SaharaReporters reported that the STEP is set to hear testimonies from both Akpabio and Natasha concerning the harassment allegations. This was confirmed by Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nweboyin during a recent appearance on Channels Television.

Nweboyin emphasized that all parties involved, including the Senate President, will testify before the committee, and their testimonies will be formally recorded.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has alleged that Akpabio sexually harassed her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. She claimed that during this visit, Akpabio held her hand, led her around his home, and made inappropriate advances, even in the presence of her husband.

SaharaReporters also reported that Senator Natasha’s suspension took a new turn as she filed a contempt application against Senate President Akpabio for allegedly disobeying a valid court order.

In Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan is the plaintiff, while the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuen, are named as defendants.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had previously granted an ex-parte order on March 4, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The order, based on a 25-paragraph affidavit filed by Natasha’s legal team, declared that any actions taken during the pendency of the suit would be null, void, and of no effect.

Despite this court order, which was widely publicized, the Senate went ahead with a six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct. The Senate also instructed that her office be sealed and mandated her to surrender all Senate property in her possession for the duration of the suspension, following the committee’s report adoption.