On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the Senate was thrown into chaos during a session after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central (PDP) protested the sudden change of her seat.
The heated exchange almost disrupted the entire meeting, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio had to step in to prevent things from getting worse.
The trouble started when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan entered the Senate chamber and noticed her nameplate was missing from her usual seat. She was upset and immediately raised her voice, asking why her seat was changed without her permission. She insisted that her privileges were being violated according to the Senate rules.
Senator Tahir Monguno, the Senate Chief Whip from Borno North (APC), noticed the situation and brought it to the attention of Akpabio, saying Natasha’s seat change was “improper.” But before Monguno could explain further, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan interrupted, demanding an answer.
As things got more heated, Akpabio told security to escort Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chamber, warning her that she could be suspended if she didn’t calm down. “Can the Sergeant-at-Arms please take her out of the Senate?” Akpabio ordered. The situation got even more intense when her microphone was switched off while security tried to remove her, but she didn’t back down.
Some of the other senators tried to step in and calm things down. Senators from Kogi State, including Senator Isah Jibrin, asked for understanding, and others like Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also worked to cool the tensions.
Akpabio tried to make light of the situation, comparing it to moments in South Africa’s Parliament, where political leaders also face strong protests. He even joked about the microphone system to lighten the mood, saying he was sorry “on behalf of the contractor” for the problem.
As the session continued, Senator Jibrin apologized on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan, explaining that the seat change was a result of some recent resignations and adjustments. Senator Sunday Karimi, from Kogi West (APC), defended the decision, criticizing Natasha’s response as unnecessary. “We extended friendship to her, but I don’t know why she caused such a scene,” he said, suggesting she apologize.
In the end, Akpabio stepped in again, urging everyone to be calm. He explained that seat changes are routine and happen according to the Senate’s rules, adding that it was the Senate President’s discretion to make these changes.
“I want the public to understand that our proceedings are governed by rules and the Constitution,” Akpabio said, trying to put the situation behind them.
