Oshiomhole Alleges Forgery of Senators’ Signatures in Natasha Suspension Report

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the signatures of some lawmakers were forged or improperly included in the Senate committee report that recommended the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Speaking during a televised interview, Oshiomhole claimed that at least three senators whose names appeared on the report did not actually sign the document that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. According to him, some affected lawmakers privately expressed concerns that their names were included despite not endorsing the report.

The Edo North senator specifically referenced reports that some members of the committee signed only the attendance register for the meeting and not the final recommendation for suspension. He argued that if such claims are proven, serious questions would arise about the integrity of the process that culminated in the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, the Senate has firmly rejected the allegation. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu described Oshiomhole’s claims as untrue, insisting that no senator had reported any case of forged signatures during the consideration of the matter. He maintained that members of the Senate are independent-minded legislators who would openly challenge any procedural irregularity if one occurred.

Adaramodu further stated that the Senate would review Oshiomhole’s public remarks and determine an appropriate institutional response. He emphasized that the suspension proceedings were conducted openly during plenary sessions and were subject to public scrutiny.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March 2025 following recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. The suspension stemmed from allegations of misconduct arising from her dispute with Senate leadership.

The latest disagreement between Oshiomhole and Senate leadership has reignited public debate over the circumstances surrounding the suspension, with attention now focused on whether further investigations will be conducted into the allegations of forged signatures. As of the time of filing this report, no formal evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the forgery claims.

The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has remained one of the most discussed issues in Nigeria’s 10th Senate. The matter attracted national attention following her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and subsequent disciplinary proceedings that resulted in her suspension from legislative activities.

With conflicting accounts now emerging over the committee report, observers expect the Senate to clarify the issues raised and determine whether any further action is warranted.