OKENE, Nigeria — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has said many of her colleagues in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber privately expressed support during her six-month suspension but avoided public solidarity for fear of political backlash.
Speaking on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Okene during the inauguration of a new market, Akpoti-Uduaghan said her suspension “exposed how fear and political intimidation shape behaviour within government institutions,” adding that the episode revealed the extent to which lawmakers worry about reprisals for showing dissent.
“When a government official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally,” she said
“Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted. Many senators stood by me quietly — they called, they visited — but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, described her suspension as “illegal,” asserting that it reflected deeper concerns about political pressure within the legislative branch.
The senator also said the situation hindered implementation of constituency projects in her district, claiming contractors encountered delays linked to her temporary removal from office.
“The 2025 budget only became active during the course of my illegal suspension,” she said.
“A number of contractors struggled to get their award letters because the projects were allocated to Kogi Central. It wasn’t easy getting these awards and commencing construction because of politics.”
The comments highlight ongoing friction within Nigeria’s political landscape, where legislators and public officials frequently face partisan tensions and public scrutiny.
Analysts say self-censorship in the face of potential sanctions is not uncommon in legislative bodies with strong party control and shifting political alliances.
Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the Senate on Wednesday September 24, 2025, after serving a six-month punitive suspension imposed earlier in the year.
She has since resumed legislative duties, attending committee engagements and participating in policy discussions.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, she attended a legislative retreat organised by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Less than two weeks later, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, she introduced a bill seeking to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal facilities across the country to expand early diagnosis, research, education, and care for people living with autism spectrum disorders.
Despite the challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she remains committed to her legislative role and her constituency.
She told the gathering in Okene that she refused to allow residents of Kogi Central to “share in her ordeal,” insisting she had stayed focused on public service throughout her suspension.
“I remain dedicated to the mandate given to me,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to completing ongoing projects and continuing legislative work.
