Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Senate has dismissed allegations by Senator Adams Oshiomhole that signatures were forged or improperly included in the report that recommended the six‑month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, describing the claim as “very strange” and without basis.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, had alleged in an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT) that the names of at least three senators were published in the committee report even though they neither signed nor endorsed its recommendations. He specifically cited Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory, whom he claimed told him she only signed an attendance register and not the suspension report.
“The committee does a hearing; members are expected to sign the report to endorse it. If you don’t agree, you can abstain. But some said they didn’t sign, yet their names were published,” Oshiomhole said. “People like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published.’”
Reacting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu firmly rejected the allegation, stating that no senator had ever raised such a concern on the floor of the Senate. “That is not true. Signatures forged, over what?” Adaramodu told TheCable. “If Senator Kingibe had anything against any procedure, she would report it on the floor of the senate, not to an individual.”
Adaramodu, who was a member of the Ethics and Public Petitions Committee that handled the matter, insisted that no coercion or forgery took place. “Nobody will say that he or she was coerced or somebody’s signature was forged; that has never happened in the senate and it cannot happen. It has never happened,” he said. “Senators are independent‑minded people. We are mature men and women. And if you have any infraction against anybody, that person can, without any advocate from anywhere, that person will show it. So there’s nothing like that. I’m just hearing it for the first time. That’s very strange.”
Adaramodu said the Senate would review Oshiomhole’s comments and determine an appropriate response, but maintained that the suspension process was transparent. “It was debated on the floor of the senate openly at the plenary in the full glare of every Nigerian and even the international audience, and so nothing to hide,” he stated. “All Nigerians knew where we stood then on the issue of Natasha… that she ran foul of the senate’s orders.”
Akpoti‑Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March 2025 over allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behaviour following her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. As part of the sanctions, she was barred from the National Assembly complex, her salaries and allowances were suspended, and her office was sealed.
Oshiomhole’s allegation came after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele recently described Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the most regrettable episodes of the 10th Senate. The Senate leadership has not yet indicated whether any disciplinary action will be taken against Oshiomhole over his remarks.
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