Oshiomhole Retracts Forgery Allegation in Natasha Suspension Controversy

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has clarified remarks he made regarding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stepping back from suggestions that signatures were forged in the Senate committee report that recommended her suspension.

The controversy erupted after Oshiomhole, during a television interview, questioned the authenticity of the report used to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that the names of some senators appeared on the document despite claims that they had not endorsed it. He cited conversations with lawmakers who reportedly told him they neither signed the report nor supported its recommendations.

However, amid growing reactions from the Senate leadership, Oshiomhole subsequently clarified that he did not directly accuse anyone of forging signatures. Instead, he suggested that there may have been procedural issues regarding how names were attached to the committee’s report, noting that attendance records might have been mistaken for endorsements.

The Senate swiftly rejected any insinuation of forgery. Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu described the allegation as unfounded, insisting that no senator had formally complained that his or her signature was forged during the consideration of the report. He emphasized that the matter was debated openly on the Senate floor and followed established legislative procedures.

The dispute adds a new dimension to the prolonged controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. The Kogi Central lawmaker was suspended in March 2025 following findings by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which accused her of misconduct and violations of Senate rules. Senate leaders have repeatedly maintained that the disciplinary action was unrelated to her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The disagreement between Oshiomhole and Senate leadership comes after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reportedly described Natasha’s suspension as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate, prompting renewed public scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the disciplinary action.

While the Senate has indicated that it may further examine Oshiomhole’s comments, no formal investigation findings have been released. The latest exchange highlights continuing tensions within the upper chamber over one of the most contentious episodes of the current National Assembly.