In a fresh twist to Senate leadership dynamics, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has been removed as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the conclusion of Thursday’s plenary session.
She has been replaced by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East. Although no official reason was provided, the move comes amid unresolved tensions surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s controversial six-month suspension from the Senate earlier this year.
Initially appointed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content in November 2023, Akpoti-Uduaghan was reassigned to the Diaspora Committee in a February 2025 reshuffle. The reshuffle followed her active oversight of oil and gas agencies, which some viewed as politically sensitive and potentially controversial.
The reassignment led to widespread speculation about political undertones, especially given the swiftness of her removal from Local Content duties. After confronting the reshuffle, she was suspended from legislative activities for alleged misconduct.
Her latest removal from the Diaspora Committee appears to be a continuation of that unresolved episode. On July 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement and mandated that she issue a formal apology to the Senate. However, the Senate has stated that it has yet to receive a Certified True Copy of the judgment and insists no formal action will be taken until then.
In a recent televised interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she is awaiting official documentation of the ruling before resuming her duties, citing legal advice and institutional respect.
This leadership change signals a larger undercurrent of political reshuffling and internal disputes in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber. It also raises questions about the Senate’s response to judicial orders and the growing power struggles within party lines.
As the political climate intensifies, all eyes are now on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s next move and whether she will return to active duty once the court judgment is officially submitted.
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