Oshiomhole alleges senators' names forged on report that got Natasha suspended

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dropped a bombshell: the names of at least three senators who didn't support Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension were included on the committee report that recommended it.

The Edo North senator made the allegation on Tuesday during an interview on Africa Independent Television. He was reacting to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele's description of Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension as one of the "lowest moments" of the 10th Senate.

According to Oshiomhole, several lawmakers whose names appeared on the report told him they neither signed the document nor endorsed its recommendations. He specifically named Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory.

"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.'"

The former Edo governor suggested that attendance registers may have been attached to the report in place of actual endorsements.

"So, where many don't accept the content, they could abstain from signing it because to sign is to endorse. One, two or three senators said, 'We didn't sign, but our names were there,'" he said. "But how? Some say maybe they attached an attendance register, which isn't the appropriate thing."

The suspension that sparked

the controversy

Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 over allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behaviour. The suspension followed her accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The disciplinary action was severe: a six-month ban from all legislative activities, withdrawal of her salary and allowances, closure of her office within the National Assembly complex, and a ban from accessing legislative premises for the duration.

Oshiomhole's allegation raises serious questions about the integrity of the process that led to her suspension. If true, it means the Senate acted on a report that may have been doctored.

As of press time, neither the Senate Committee that handled the report nor the Senate leadership had issued an official response to Oshiomhole's allegations.

The former labour leader's claims have reignited debate about the treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has maintained that her suspension was politically motivated. Bamidele's admission that it was a "lowest moment" for the Senate only adds weight to Oshiomhole's concerns.