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Nurudeen Shotayo

A group of constituents from the Kogi Central Senatorial District have initiated a lawsuit against the 10th Senate and its President, Godswill Akpabio, over the suspension of their representative, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The suit, filed at the Abuja Federal High Court and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, challenges the upper legislative chamber's decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing that the move violates the constitutional right to political representation.

Recall that the red chamber adopted the recommendation of the Senator Neda Imaseun-led Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee to <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/natasha-given-7-days-to-produce-evidence-of-akpabios-assassination-attempt-2025040618552813083">slam Natasha with a six-month suspension</a> over alleged gross misconduct.

It followed an ensuing altercation between the Kogi lawmaker and Akpabio during plenary over the seating arrangement. The suspension was handed down after the committee rejected the sexual harassment petition submitted by the senator against the Senate President.

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/akpabio-asks-igp-to-prosecute-natasha-for-assassination-claim-2025041013375433578">Akpabio writes IGP demands Natasha’s prosecution over assassination claim</a>

Meanwhile, the plaintiffs, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/falana-to-akpabio-go-to-court-not-police-over-natasha-allegation-2025041115505719423">represented by human rights lawyer Femi Falana</a>, argued that the&nbsp;March 6 suspension not only undermines democratic principles but also breaches Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens the right to participate freely in their government through elected representatives.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan [Instagram]

They affirmed that Natasha's suspension has effectively silenced Kogi Central's voice in national debates and lawmaking processes.

The constituents further argued that the Senate acted without lawful justification and overstepped its powers, thereby seeking a declaration that the Senate lacks the authority to suspend Natasha under Article 13 (1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 of the LFN 2004.

The applicants also demanded that the senator's suspension be nullified and her full rights restored, which include access to her office, participation in senate proceedings, and payment of outstanding entitlements.

They also sought an injunction restraining the respondents from carrying out any act that would contravene their (the applicants') fundamental rights.

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/natasha-sues-nwaebonyi-naira5bn-defamation-2025040912291968172">Senator Natasha sues colleague, Nwaebonyi, for ₦5bn over defamatory live TV remarks</a>

The plaintiffs include Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Samuel, Umar Oyiza, Megida Sadiq, Siyaka Akinlade, Michael Ademola and Ananyi Omeiza.

L-R: Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti. [Facebook]

The Senate adopted the Ethics Committee's recommendation to suspend Senator Natasha for six months following her outburst during plenary over the seating arrangement.

Senator Natasha's constituents drags Akpabio, Senate to court over suspension

Segun Adeyemi

<h2>Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for involving the police in what he describes as a civil dispute with fellow lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.</h2>

Akpabio <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/akpabio-asks-igp-to-prosecute-natasha-for-assassination-claim-2025041013375433578">recently petitioned the Inspector General of Police, </a>Kayode Egbetokun, after Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged at a political rally that he was involved in an assassination plot.

Falana, however, said Akpabio should seek redress through the courts rather than use the police to handle what he termed a defamation issue.

“In the said petition, Senator Akpabio stated that the alleged defamatory statement is ‘entirely false, unfounded and politically motivated’. To that extent, the Nigeria Police Force should not be asked to criminalise a civil dispute that is politically motivated,” Falana stated.

He argued that public officers must exercise caution when abusing state power to suppress dissent or intimidate political opponents.

Referring to decisions by the Court of Appeal, Falana highlighted that state machinery should not be used to harass critics or opponents, urging public officials to uphold democratic values and freedoms.

“Public officers must be tolerant of criticism. Where a writer or speaker overshoots his or her boundary, there should be a resort to the law of libel rather than intimidation,” he said.

READ ALSO:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-abbo-accuses-akpabio-of-endangering-natasha-2025040312215599204">Senator Abbo accuses Akpabio of exposing Natasha's life to danger</a>

Falana concluded by advising Akpabio to “institute a libel suit in the appropriate High Court if he feels defamed by the statement credited to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

The dispute has sparked broader discussions around the misuse of law enforcement for political ends and the limits of free speech in Nigeria’s political space.

Falana argued that public officers must exercise caution when abusing state power to suppress dissent or intimidate political opponents.

Falana to Akpabio: 'Go to court, not police' over Natasha allegation

<h2>Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, calling for an urgent investigation and prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over what he described as a “criminally defamatory and inciting” allegation that he plotted her assassination.</h2>

In a petition dated April 3 and also addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation, Akpabio reacted strongly to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's comments during an April 1 speech in Kogi State.

In the speech, she alleged that Akpabio directed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed in a way that would suggest her constituents were responsible.

“This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest,” Akpabio stated in the petition.

READ ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-abbo-accuses-akpabio-of-endangering-natasha-2025040312215599204">Senator Abbo accuses Akpabio of exposing Natasha's life to danger</a>

He characterised the accusation as politically motivated and without evidence, adding, “It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain.”

The Senate President emphasised the seriousness of the allegation, noting its widespread circulation across television, radio, print, and social media platforms.

According to him, the traction the claim has gained in public discourse necessitates a swift and decisive response from law enforcement.

READ ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/natasha-given-7-days-to-produce-evidence-of-akpabios-assassination-attempt-2025040618552813083">Natasha given 7 days to produce evidence of Akpabio's assassination attempt</a>

“The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he said.

Akpabio urged the police to consider charges under criminal defamation, incitement, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, stressing the importance of holding public officials accountable for potentially destabilising statements.

This latest episode follows a history of tension between the two lawmakers. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation that contributed to her temporary suspension from the Senate.

According to him, the traction the claim has gained in public discourse necessitates a swift and decisive response from law enforcement.

BREAKING: Akpabio writes IGP demands Natasha’s prosecution over assassination claim

Brooks Eti-Inyene

<h2>Nigerian OAP Osi Suave has sparked a wave of online corrections and commentary after publicly calling out Hon. Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, for incorrectly using the word née while introducing herself during a legislative plenary.</h2>

In a video that quickly made the rounds online, Natasha introduced herself as “<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/natasha-tuface-lover-removed-as-edo-minority-leader-2025040807025676364">Hon. Natasha Irobosa Osawaru</a> née Idibia” &nbsp;(Referring to Nigerian<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/celebrities/ive-been-kidnapped-2baba-makes-light-of-mothers-claim-that-hes-gone-missing-2025040519511719116"> singer 2Baba,</a> also known as Innocent Idibia, as her fiancé.)This introduction raised immediate eyebrows, with many questioning whether she understood the meaning of the French-derived term "née." The word, used mostly in formal settings, means "born as" and is traditionally placed before a woman’s maiden name, the surname she had before marriage.<h3>Osi Reacts</h3>Popular media personality Osi Suave didn’t mince words in his reaction. Taking to Twitter, he wrote:“Look at this illiterate. Née means born. Meaning, your maiden name or the name you had at birth before you changed it due to marriage.”His blunt correction quickly gained traction, igniting a grammar war on social media that merged with long-running debates about the controversial relationship between Natasha and 2Baba.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Look at this illiterate Née means born Meaning your maiden name or the name you had at birth before you changed it due to marriage. <a href="https://t.co/PLXkThNdaa">https://t.co/PLXkThNdaa</a>&mdash; Osi (@Osi_Suave) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osi_Suave/status/1910045480618180945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>But first, who is Hon. Natasha Osawaru?</h3>Hon. Natasha, 30, is a rising figure in Edo State politics. She currently serves as the Deputy Majority Leader in the state House of Assembly, representing Egor Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, in recent months, she's gained more attention for her personal life than for her political work.Earlier this year, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/celebrities/why-2baba-wears-my-beads-on-his-neck-wrist-singers-fiancee-natasha-2025031014472901417">Afrobeat legend 2Baba </a>caused an online storm when he publicly declared love for Natasha and referred to her as his “future wife,” following months of speculation.&nbsp;Many fans saw this as a betrayal of his longtime marriage to Annie Idibia, especially given the timing of their recent marital troubles.

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<h3>Twitter reacts</h3>Hon. Natasha’s awkward use of née during her introduction became the internet’s newest obsession. Here’s what Nigerians on Twitter had to say:@SquadNavigators: “Shame wear me g-string. Olodo doesn't even know how to use the word.”@Mo_Reec: “Is it not supposed to be the other round? Hon. Natasha Idibia, Née Osawaru? Na wao!”@MozieVin: “This is the dumbest thing I have heard today. Even if you are married, née stands for your own surname and not that of your husband.” @Donald Angbas: “What is née Idibia? Is she that dull not to know where and how it is used? BTW, why is the session so rowdy?” @seowriter: “Isn't ‘née’ meant to introduce someone's Maiden Name? As in the surname she answered before getting married.”@D_Conservatives: “How did that wag and proud homewrecker become a member? Edo is inferior to Lagos in all ramifications.”

<a href="undefined" target="_blank">undefined</a>

Others, like @African_unifier, attempted to defend the relationship:“They are married, case closed.”And some were just bewildered by the entire saga:@Precious_jr21: “I no know whether na 2Baba use juju for her abi na she use juju for 2Baba. Them just dey confuse me.”

Critics also pointed out the disorderly atmosphere of the Edo Assembly plenary session captured in the video, calling it “rowdy” and “unprofessional.”Whether or not this moment leads to better grammar in politics is yet to be seen.ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/celebrities/by-27-marry-get-a-phd-or-move-out-%E2%80%94-kanayo-o-kanayo-to-daughter-on-her-25th-birthday-2025040914554011132">‘By 27, marry, get a PhD or move out’ — Kanayo O. Kanayo to daughter on her 25th birthday</a>

OAP Osi schools 2Baba’s fiancée, Hon. Natasha [Instagram/@osi_suave]

Hon. Natasha is yet to respond to the viral criticism or Osi Suave’s correction.

‘Née means born’- OAP Osi schools 2Baba’s fiancée, Hon. Natasha

Damilola Agubata

<h2>Honourable Natasha, the fiancée of controversial veteran singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2face or 2baba, has stirred up public reactions after she introduced herself to her colleagues in the Edo State House of Assembly.</h2>

The 30-year-old lawmaker, during plenary, has been caught in a now-circulating video clip saying, "Mr Speaker, my name is Honourable Natasha Irobosa Osawaru nee Idibia" shortly before she burst into laughter.

This threw the House into a brief state of frenzy as she was teased for the proclamation and interrupted several times.

She then pleaded for some more time to put herself together before carrying on with her speech to second a motion earlier raised by a colleague.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Video: My name is Hon. Natasha Irobosa Osawaru Nee Idibia ~ 2Face&#39;s Fiancée introduces herself to her colleagues during plenary in Edo State House of Assembly <a href="https://t.co/i78jDVlrRv">pic.twitter.com/i78jDVlrRv</a>&mdash; Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) <a href="https://twitter.com/NigeriaStories/status/1909982380758016034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/natasha-tuface-lover-removed-as-edo-minority-leader-2025040807025676364">Tuface’s lover, Natasha, loses minority leader position in Edo Assembly&nbsp;shake-up</a>

Reacting to this video, Nigerians have raised their eyebrows at her wrong usage of the term 'Nee' which is used in giving a married woman's&nbsp;maiden&nbsp;name after her&nbsp;surname.

Damilare Odulesi, DevOps Consultant &amp; Trainer, commented on X,

<blockquote>Does she know what Nee means?</blockquote>

<blockquote>You know I even paused for a second</blockquote>

Another user with the moniker, Frank Moore, wrote,

<blockquote>I confused oo. Abi na me be the mumu.</blockquote>

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/2baba-proposes-to-girlfriend-natasha-osawaru-weeks-after-announcing-divorce-2025021306522461254">2Baba proposes to girlfriend, Natasha Osawaru weeks after announcing divorce</a>

Going further to explain the error, a user with the handle @Wandelakanu_ commented,

<blockquote>Nee Idibia ??? Does she even know what "Nee" means ?? Shouldn't she have said Hon. Natasha Irobosa Idibia Nee Osarawu ?</blockquote>

<blockquote>Nee should mean her fathers name.</blockquote>

Concerned about the marriage ceremony, a user identified as Adewale Damilare wrote,

<blockquote>These guys are married already. But having it secretly isn't an honorable thing though!</blockquote>

The Edo Lawmaker has also <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/celebrities/2babas-new-lover-natasha-osawaru-replaces-her-surname-with-idibia-on-social-media-2025033023300554146">changed her name on her Instagram page</a>. It now appears as ‘Honourable Natasha IDIBIA.'

Honourable Natasha IDIBIA [Instagram/@honorableosawaru]

'Hon Natasha Osawaru nee Idibia' - Reactions as 2baba's fiancée introduces herself

The burning question on people's lips is: 'Nee Idibia?'

<h2>Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has dragged fellow lawmaker Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi to court, demanding ₦5 billion in damages over what she described as defamatory remarks made during a television interview.</h2>

The suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, stems from comments made by Nwaebonyi on Channels Television on March 6, 2025.

During the interview, the senator representing Ebonyi North allegedly described Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “gold digger, habitual liar, and habitual blackmailer,” further accusing her of having six children from different men.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, insists the statements are “false, malicious, and reckless,” and have caused significant harm to her reputation, emotional well-being, and public image.

READ ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/akpabio-ally-slams-ezekwesili-in-natasha-case-clash-2025032518090617589">[VIDEO]: Akpabio's ally calls Ezekwesili an ‘insult to womanhood’ in heated exchange over Natasha's case</a>

“The defendant’s characterisation of the claimant as a ‘mother of six from different men’ is baseless, malicious, and reckless,” the court document reads. “The claimant is an inspiration to women in politics and aspiring women for speaking truth to power.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that such remarks not only smear her personal image but also undermine the progress of women in Nigerian politics.

She has asked the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Nwaebonyi and his associates from repeating the defamatory statements.

READ ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/akpabio-sexual-advances-allegation-natasha-2025022811002795826">VIDEO: Akpabio targeting me for rejecting his sexual advances - Senator Natasha alleges</a>

In addition to the ₦5 billion compensation for aggravated and exemplary damages, the claimant is seeking a public retraction of the comments on Channels Television, where the remarks were initially made, and apologies published in at least two widely circulated national newspapers.

The suit also demands post-judgment interest at a rate of 10% per annum until the full amount is paid.

The case is expected to reignite conversations around ethics and accountability in political discourse, especially regarding the treatment of women in Nigeria’s political arena.

L-R: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi. [Facebook]

The suit also demands post-judgment interest at 10% per annum until the full amount is paid.

Senator Natasha sues colleague, Nwaebonyi, for ₦5bn over defamatory live TV remarks

<h2>The Edo State House of Assembly has removed Hon Natasha Osawaru Irobosa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Minority Leader, following the defection of four PDP lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC).</h2>

Irobosa, known for her relationship with Nigerian music icon Tuface Idibia, was removed alongside the Majority Leader, Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian, and Chief Whip, Hon Yekini Idaiye.

Speaker of the House, Hon Blessing Agbebaku, announced the leadership changes during a plenary session, citing a letter from the state’s acting APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, which confirmed that PDP had lost its majority status.

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/celebrities/2babas-new-lover-natasha-osawaru-replaces-her-surname-with-idibia-on-social-media-2025033023300554146">READ ALSO: 2Baba’s new lover Natasha Osawaru replaces her surname with Idibia on social media</a>

Agbebaku stated that Hon Ibhamawu Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC, Esan West) would now serve as Majority Leader, while Hon Addeh Emakhu Isibor (APC, Esan North-East I) and Hon Lecky Hussein Mustapha (APC, Etsako West I) would take up the positions of Deputy Majority Leader and Chief Whip, respectively.

Despite the reshuffle, Agbebaku and his deputy, Hon Maria Edeko, both of the PDP, retained their leadership positions in the House.

However, the Speaker acknowledged that their tenure in these roles was uncertain given the shifting political dynamics.

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/2baba-proposes-to-girlfriend-natasha-osawaru-weeks-after-announcing-divorce-2025021306522461254">READ ALSO: 2Baba proposes to girlfriend, Natasha Osawaru weeks after announcing divorce</a>

“The PDP leadership in the state will present its nominees for principal officers to the House,” Agbebaku stated.

The latest developments underscore the volatility within the Edo Assembly as party alignments continue to shift ahead of future political battles.

L-R: Natasha Osawaru Irobosa and Nigerian music icon Tuface Idibia. [Instagram/Getty Images]

The latest developments underscore the volatility within the Edo Assembly as party alignments continue to shift ahead of future political battles.

Tuface’s lover, Natasha, loses minority leader position in Edo Assembly shake-up

News Agency Of Nigeria

A Public Accountability and Governance Advocacy Group, the Executive Watchdog, has given Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan a seven-day ultimatum to provide evidence of the assassination attempt brought against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The group, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Fidelis Ella, on Sunday in Abuja, urged security agencies to arrest Akpoti-Uduaghan if she failed to produce the evidence within seven days.

The group described the assassination claim as “reckless, unfounded and deeply injurious to democratic integrity."

Ella called on Akpabio’s legal team to subpoena the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) to obtain the original petition submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He said the idea was to ensure that if such a serious accusation was made, it must not be left to public speculation but addressed within the bounds of the law.

Ella said Akpoti-Uduaghan's public conduct reveals “a pattern not merely of libel but of calculated subversion,” warning that it threatens the fabric of public trust and democratic governance.

“At this point, this has gone far beyond criminal defamation. It is an affront to the principle that truth must precede judgment,” he said.

Ella called for accountability and restraint in public discourse, adding that the integrity of institutions could not be sacrificed on the altar of political sensationalism.

He said Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to provide material evidence to support her allegation of assassination.

He pledged the group's commitment to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for responsible civic engagement and truth-based leadership.

Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Ella called on Akpabio’s legal team to subpoena the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) to obtain the original petition submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Natasha given 7 days to produce evidence of Akpabio's assassination attempt

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has promised that the evidence of her sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio will be released soon.

The embattled lawmaker made this known while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that her ordeal in the senate, which culminated in a six-month suspension, started after she rejected repeated <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-abbo-accuses-akpabio-of-endangering-natasha-2025040312215599204">sexual advances from Akpabio</a>.

This came to the fore after the Senate moved to discipline the Kogi Senator following her disruptive protest during plenary over the seating arrangement.

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/ive-known-him-for-50-years-akpabios-classmate-reacts-to-sexual-misconduct-saga-2025032817541154528">I've known him for 50 years - Akpabio's classmate reacts to sexual misconduct saga</a>

However, since making the sexual harassment allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan has failed to provide any shred of evidence to the public to support her claim.

“At the right time and at the right space, I will present the evidence that I have,” she stated after being asked if she had any shred of evidence to substantiate the allegation against the Senate President.

<h3 style="text-align: start">Senator Natasha faults INEC over recall petition</h3>

Though she commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for eventually throwing out the petition for her recall on Thursday, Natasha said the <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/inec-wasted-time-before-throwing-out-petition-for-my-recall-senator-natasha-2025040319585544959">decision should have come earlier</a>.

She argued that INEC shouldn't have entertained the petition the moment the petitioners failed to provide their addresses and phone numbers.

She claimed that even the addresses provided in the petition for her recall were false because most houses in her district weren’t labeled.

“I’m a lawyer. I’m a senator and I understand how Nigeria works. For me, the most important thing is that this recall process has been stalled.

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-natasha-retains-seat-inec-rejects-recall-2025040313573959702">Senator Natasha retains seat as INEC declares recall petition inadequate</a>

“I give kudos and credit to INEC even though I believe they should have thrown it away from the get-go.

“I think it was void ab initio because there is no law in the Electoral Act that says a petition should be discarded just because there is no address but again, what if the address is false?” she stated.

Natasha: I will soon tender evidence of sexual assault against Akpabio

Natasha restated why she held back from reporting Akpabio's alleged sexual harassment against her to her husband.

Embattled Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not rejecting a petition to recall her as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District earlier.

However, the Kogi lawmaker applauded the electoral commission for eventually deciding to reject the petition because it did not meet the constitutional threshold.

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-natasha-retains-seat-inec-rejects-recall-2025040313573959702">INEC declared that the petition</a> filed by a political group from Natasha's district failed to satisfy the provisions of Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution,” the commission said in a statement.

INEC further explained that a recall petition must be signed by more than half of the registered voters in the affected constituency.

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-natasha-responds-to-inec-recall-declaration-2025040316034613039">Senator Natasha reacts to INEC's declaration in recall process</a>

“The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e., 237,278 voters) is required,” it added.

<h3 style="text-align: start">Senator Natasha faults INEC</h3>

Meanwhile, the Senator contested that the electoral umpire should have thrown out the petition long before it did on Thursday.

She argued that <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/natasha-inec-boss-recall-credibility-2025040209052747388">INEC should have dismissed the petition</a> after the petitioners initially failed to provide an address, claiming that even the addresses provided in the petition for her recall were false because most houses in her district weren’t labelled.

She made this known on Thursday when she spoke on Channels Television’s 'Politics Today.'

ALSO READ: <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-abbo-accuses-akpabio-of-endangering-natasha-2025040312215599204">Senator Abbo accuses Akpabio of exposing Natasha's life to danger</a>

“I think it was void ab initio because there is no law in the Electoral Act that says a petition should be discarded just because there is no address but again, what if the address is false?”

Akpoti-Uduaghan also boasted that the petitioners would not have succeeded in recalling her because her constituents were solidly behind her.

“Even though INEC did count 208,000 signatures, I bet you if they had gone into the verification stage, they would have struggled to even have 500 people come out to attest to signing that,” she added.

Senator Natasha insisted the failed recall process initiated against her was the handiwork of Akpabio, who collaborated with Governor Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.

INEC wasted time before throwing out petition for my recall - Senator Natasha

<h2>Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has expressed her gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for upholding justice by rejecting a recall petition against her.</h2>

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-natasha-retains-seat-inec-rejects-recall-2025040313573959702">INEC found the petition, </a>driven by political groups and individuals in Kogi State, unconstitutional.

In a statement released following INEC’s announcement, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan praised the commission for standing firm against external pressures, stating, "God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall from the Senate, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC, former Governor Yahaya Bello."

The INEC’s decision on Thursday, April 3, confirmed that the petition did not meet constitutional requirements, ending the recall process.

<h2>Senator Natasha Mocks Yahaya Bello</h2>

In her statement, the senator reaffirmed her belief that the people's voice is paramount, asserting, "Nobody, be it a former Governor Yahaya Bello or Senate President Godswill Akpabio, can toy with the mandate freely given by the resolute people of Kogi Central."

Akpoti-Uduaghan celebrated the outcome as a victory against political manipulation, emphasising that<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/natasha-inec-boss-recall-credibility-2025040209052747388"> the rejection of the recall petition</a> marks a triumph for justice.

"The decision to reject the recall process is a justice against injustice," she added, commending INEC for its independence and integrity.

The Senator concluded by thanking Nigerians, particularly the people of Kogi Central, for their unwavering support and reiterated her commitment to fighting for justice, freedom, and a better Nigeria.

The Senator thanked Nigerians, particularly the people of Kogi Central, for their unwavering support and reiterated her commitment to fighting for justice, freedom, and a better Nigeria.

Senator Natasha reacts to INEC's declaration in recall process

<h2>The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the petition seeking to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that it did not meet constitutional requirements.</h2>

In a statement released on Thursday, April 3, INEC clarified that the recall petition for the Kogi Central senator failed to satisfy the provisions of Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution,” INEC wrote on its X handle.

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/natasha-inec-boss-recall-credibility-2025040209052747388">READ ALSO: Natasha urges INEC boss to redeem his credibility in recall process</a>

INEC further explained that a recall petition must be signed by more than half of the registered voters in the affected constituency.

“The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e., 237,278 voters) is required,” INEC’s National Commissioner for Information &amp; Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, stated.

However, after reviewing the petition, the electoral body found that only 208,132 signatures were submitted, falling short of the required threshold.

<a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/senator-abbo-accuses-akpabio-of-endangering-natasha-2025040312215599204">READ ALSO: Senator Abbo accuses Akpabio of exposing Natasha's life to danger</a>

This decision follows an earlier rejection of the petition over missing details. Petitioners later provided the missing information, but the revised submission still failed to meet all constitutional requirements.

“Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. No further action shall be taken on the recall of the senator,” Olumekun affirmed.

With INEC’s verdict, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan retains her seat, putting an end—at least for now—to the recall effort.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. [Facebook]

With INEC’s verdict, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan retains her seat, putting an end—at least for now—to the recall effort.

Senator Natasha retains seat as INEC declares recall petition inadequate

<h2>Former Adamawa North Senator, Elisha Abbo, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of exposing suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to life-threatening danger by ordering the withdrawal of her security details.</h2>

Abbo, speaking on Arise News' PrimeTime show on Wednesday night, April 2, criticised Akpabio’s handling of Natasha’s suspension, describing it as politically biased and high-handed.

The <a target="_blank" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/just-in-senator-natasha-facing-six-months-suspension-from-senate-2025030613563985767">Senate had earlier suspended Natasha for six months</a> over her failure to substantiate sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.

However, Abbo argued that the Senate President’s actions went beyond legislative discipline and placed Natasha at risk.

“In the case of Natasha, it took a different dimension,” Abbo stated. “He [Akpabio] sat like the emperor he claims he is and ordered her suspension, withdrew her security, stopped her salary, barred her from the National Assembly, and even instructed the Inspector General of Police not to provide her security.”

The former senator insisted that such a move deliberately endangered Natasha.

“When you withdraw somebody’s security— which is not right— that means you are exposing her to be killed,” he said.

Abbo also pointed out the inconsistency in <a target="_self" class="editor-link" href="https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/akpabio-sexual-advances-allegation-natasha-2025022811002795826">Senate disciplinary actions</a>, referencing Akpabio’s own altercations in the 8th Senate.

“If Akpabio was not suspended for clashing with Saraki, why is Natasha suspended for six months?” he questioned.

Neither Akpabio nor the Senate leadership has responded to Abbo’s claims at the time of this report.

L-R: Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Elisha Abbo.

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