A former presidential aspirant on the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Mathias Tsado, has criticised the Senate over its treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing her as the institution’s “star girl” who ought to be celebrated, not suspended.
Appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Tsado berated the Senate’s refusal to reinstate the Kogi Central lawmaker despite a Federal High Court order overturning her suspension.
“I was reading a poll conducted by the API (Africa Polling Institute), and they said 82 per cent of Nigerians do not have confidence in the Nigerian Senate. Now, their star girl— the person who is supposed to be their number nine striker — is the one they are attacking.
“In the midst of all this, Senator Natasha is still touching the lives of the people. She has become a source of inspiration to many young people. The Senate should have been worshipping her, saying, ‘You are our star girl,’” Tsado said.
‘They Have No Right To Admit Her’
The Senate had acknowledged the verdict but said it is yet to get the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement to enable it to take a decision.
However, Tsado said the Senate had no legal standing to delay her return on that basis after the court judgement.
“It’s rather unfortunate that we have reduced ourselves as a country to these kinds of deliberations. From the very beginning, we saw how the Senate mishandled Natasha’s situation. For someone — a woman — to fight her way, against all odds, into the Senate is inspiring.
“And yet, the Senate says it cannot admit her without the CTC of the judgment. They don’t have the right to admit her in the first place. It’s unfortunate that when judgments are delivered in Nigeria — which are supposed to be clear and unambiguous — the enforcement is selective.
“If the judge had declared that Senator Natasha should be imprisoned, would they be waiting for the CTC? When she was found guilty of contempt and asked to pay ₦5 million, did they wait for the CTC before they started talking about it?” he said.
Tsado said the real issue is that the Senate acted outside its powers, but urged the lawmakers to act decisively.
“They suspended someone beyond the 14 days allowed in their rule book. That is illegal. If Natasha is being punished by the court for contempt, who punishes the Senate for overreaching their constitutional limits?
“I heard her yesterday when she said she would wait for the documents before resuming. But I am calling on the Nigerian Senate: man up, forget about this theatre. These are not the things Nigerians want to see,” he said.
Court Ruling And Senate’s Reaction
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court, Abuja on May 13, 2025.
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Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on 4 July 2025, nullified the six-month suspension handed to Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring it excessive and unconstitutional.
The judge held that the punishment deprived her constituents of representation and faulted the Senate’s standing rules, as well as the Legislative Houses’ Powers and Privileges Act, as overreaching.
However, the Senate has stated that it would not act until it receives the Certified True Copy of the judgment.
“Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgment, none can enforce any perceived order or relief,” Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said in a statement.
“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court. Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response.”
Adaramodu added, “Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position. The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law.”
Allegations, Suspension
A photo combo of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (L) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on 6 March 2025, following a confrontation over seat allocation during plenary.
She had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of abuse of office and sexual harassment, allegations he denied.
Her initial petition was dismissed by the Senate disciplinary committee on procedural grounds, but she resubmitted it the following day. In response, the Senate handed her a six-month suspension and barred her from plenary sessions.
That sparked protests in some parts of the country. Akpoti-Uduaghan took the matter to court and also raised the issue at an international forum, calling the suspension illegal. She currently faces separate charges of cybercrime and defamation in Abuja courts.
However, Justice Nyako, in her July 4 ruling, held that while the Senate has the power to discipline members, such measures must not infringe on the right of citizens to be represented.
The court also imposed a ₦5 million fine on Akpoti-Uduaghan for breaching a gag order on the case and directed her to issue a public apology in two national newspapers within seven days
