Oshiomhole Revives Natasha Suspension Controversy to Deepen Rift with Akpabio

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has reignited the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that signatures were improperly included in the Senate report that recommended her removal, in a move that has added fresh pressure on Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, claimed that at least three senators whose names appeared on the report did not actually sign it.

The report formed the basis for Akpoti-Uduaghan's six-month suspension in March 2025.

Speaking during a television interview, Oshiomhole said some lawmakers privately complained that their names were attached to the document without their consent.

“The committee does a hearing; members are expected to sign the report to endorse it,” he said.

“If you don’t agree, you can abstain.

"But some said they didn’t sign, yet their names were published.”

He specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe, saying she told him: “But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published.”

Oshiomhole suggested that attendance registers may have been used in place of actual signatures, adding, “One, two or three senators said, ‘We didn’t sign, but our names were there.’”

The comments have reopened debate over the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was sanctioned after a series of disputes with Akpabio and after making allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate president.

Akpabio has repeatedly denied the allegations.

The suspension became one of the most divisive episodes in the 10th Senate, drawing criticism from civil society groups and prompting legal challenges.

In 2025, a court ruled that the six-month suspension was excessive and ordered that it be lifted.

Oshiomhole's latest remarks also put him at odds with Senate leadership, particularly Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who recently described the Akpoti-Uduaghan episode as one of the lowest moments of the current Senate.

With fresh questions now being raised about the suspension report, the rift between Oshiomhole and Akpabio appears far from over.