Akpoti-Uduaghan saga distracted Nigerians from noticing Senate’s good work– Senate Leader

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has described the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a significant distraction that diverted public attention from the 10th Senate's legislative work. Bamidele stated that major news outlets focused heavily on the debates surrounding the suspension rather than reporting on the reforms the Senate was pursuing for national development.

"The lowest point was when it looks like there was no order on the floor of the Senate, when it looked like we have no respect for the female gender, when it looked like we were not together as an institution," Bamidele recounted at a media briefing. He characterized the period as unpleasant for the Senate leadership, noting that it cast a shadow over the institution's reputation and diverted focus from governance.

The controversy stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension in March 2025, following a finding that she defied seating arrangements and engaged in misconduct. Prior to this, the senator had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and making inappropriate insinuations. These allegations generated considerable controversy both within Nigeria and internationally.

The matter gained further global attention when Akpoti-Uduaghan reported the issue to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). She spoke at an IPU meeting about being denied a fair hearing and unable to represent her constituents adequately. The ensuing legal battles, including suits filed by Akpabio's wife and Akpabio himself against Akpoti-Uduaghan, and separate suits by Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate president and the Senate, further fueled the public discourse and were seen by many observers as tarnishing the image of the parliament.

Bamidele acknowledged that while the episode was a significant distraction, the Senate leadership aimed to move past it and continue its legislative agenda. He highlighted the Senate's achievements and challenges over its past three years, suggesting that the focus should return to substantive governance and lawmaking.

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The lowest point was when it looks like there was no order on the floor of the Senate, when it looked like we have no respect for the female gender, when it looked like we were not together as an institution.