Politics
Natasha, Akpabio trade words as Senate fights for reputation
The disagreement between the two lawmakers became a public spectacle two weeks ago when, during plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the relocation of her seat.
She also told the Senate President that she was not scared of him.
Although Akpabio tried to downplay the severity of the matter, the Kogi lawmaker featured in a live television programme the next morning where she accused him of sexual harassment.
Last week, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following a recommendation by its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
She was suspended for six months as many rights groups and activists condemned the decision and called for fair hearing.
Natasha fond of traumatic, “useless” allegations – Akpabio
Akpabio, at an event to commemorate the International Women’s Day, claimed to be Akpoti-Uduaghan’s victim.
He noted that previous allegations of sexual harassment levelled against others by the senator had turned out to be false.
He said, “It was only yesterday I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That was when all hell was let loose and all sorts of allegations came up. Only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my senators know happen from time to time.
“This was said to have happened on the 8th of December, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the stadium in 2023. So, from the 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed, and her seat was changed.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proved so far. Do you even wonder the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations? I have refrained from making a statement.
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
Akpoti-Uduaghan fires back
Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the claims by the Senate President, insisting that a formal investigation was necessary to establish the truth.
The senator, while speaking through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, also pointed out that a similar allegation of sexual harassment was made against Akpabio by a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh.
“If Akpabio makes such a statement, the question anybody will ask is why are there two allegations of sexual harassment against him? Joy Nunieh made the same allegation, and now it is Natasha. Akpabio should subject himself to investigation,” he stated.
Giwa said Akpabio was attempting to manipulate Senate proceedings to avoid scrutiny.
He further alleged that Akpabio was using his position to victimise the lawmaker following her refusal to yield to his advances.
“Is it true that Natasha has been prevented from participating in international engagements involving senators? Is it true that she has been forced to use her funds for official trips while others have their expenses covered? These are hard facts that need to be addressed,” he said.
Giwa also maintained that his client would not back down from her legal battle against the Senate President despite efforts from various stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Suleiman.
“She welcomes the involvement of the Women Affairs Minister and others who are trying to mediate. A meeting between them is scheduled for next week,” he said.
Why we suspended Kogi lawmaker – Senate
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Saturday, clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and not for the sexual harassment allegation she levelled against Akpabio.
Bamidele, in a statement, said there were deliberate false narratives being circulated by some media organisations on the matter.
He said, “If Senator Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving.”
“The report found her guilty of violating sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules and recommended her immediate suspension.
“The disciplinary action was a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum, including: One, for refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking Senators—an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.
“Two, for speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on 25th February 2025.
“Three, for engaging in unruly and disruptive behaviour, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings.
“For making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.
“Five, defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.”
Bamidele urged the public and the media to disregard false reports suggesting otherwise and to always seek the truth before spreading politically motivated narratives.
Falana threatens senators
In a related development, the Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, Mrs Funmi Falana SAN, described the suspension of the senator as a “disgraceful display of power”.
Falana, in a statement on Saturday, threatened to drag members of the Senate who are lawyers before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee if the suspension was not reversed.
The wife of human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, argued that the Senate exhibited gross impunity by suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan without fair hearing.
Mrs Falana said, “By suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan without affording her the opportunity to substantiate the allegation of sexual abuse levelled against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate violated her fundamental right to fair hearing guaranteed by section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
“Having sworn to comply with the provisions of the Constitution without fear or favour, the gross impunity exhibited by the senators cannot be justified. The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate is a disgraceful display of power.
“On two occasions the Senate had suspended two of its members – Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Ali Ndume. On both occasions, the Federal High Court declared the suspensions illegal and unconstitutional.
“In the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Federal High Court had restrained the Senate Committee from hearing the complaint against her pending the determination of the motion on notice.
“Since the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot be justified under the Constitution and the Rules of the Senate, the Senate is advised to lift the suspension without any delay. Otherwise, the members of the Senate who are lawyers will be dragged to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee by the Women Empowerment and Legal Aid.”
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
STATEMENT BY CHIEF EMMANUEL CHIDI IGWE,
SPOKESPERSON TO CHIEF DR. IFEANYI CHUKWUMA ODII
The 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State is not a family affair, nor is it a matter to be decided by one individual or political godfather. It is a democratic contest, and Ebonyians will ultimately decide who becomes their governor through the ballot box.
No aspirant should be expected to step down simply because another politician believes he should. Every qualified candidate has the right to contest, present his programme and seek the mandate of the people.
Let me make this clear: since Senator Dave Umahi did not bring Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii into the governorship race, he cannot now claim the authority to ask him to step down. Chief Odii has his own political identity, supporters, convictions and legitimate right to seek the mandate of Ebonyians.
The decision to contest or withdraw belongs to the candidate, while the ultimate decision on who governs Ebonyi State belongs to the people.
The 2027 election should therefore be about issues, programmes, records, accountability and the future of Ebonyi—not political arrangements made by individuals behind closed doors.
Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is prepared to place his vision and programme before Ebonyians and subject them to public scrutiny. Those seeking to retain power should equally be prepared to defend their records before the electorate.
Ebonyi 2027 is not a family arrangement. It is a contest for the confidence of the people. The people of Ebonyi State—not individuals—will have the final say.
Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe
Spokesperson to Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii
Politics
BREAKING: SaharaReporters Report on Arrest of Enugu Traditional Ruler, Ex-Lawmaker Is False and Misleading
The recent publication by SaharaReporters alleging that prominent Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Obiora Igwesi, his brother and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Uchenna Sunday A. Igwesi (USA Igwesi), and eight others were arrested over an alleged attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, is false and deeply misleading.
The report is being described as a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of respected leaders in Enugu State and create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Contrary to the claims contained in the publication, there was no arrest ordered by the Inspector-General of Police against Igwe Obiora Igwesi, Hon. USA Igwesi, or the other individuals named in connection with any alleged attack on an NDC meeting. There was also no operation by detectives from Zone 13 Command, Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, as alleged in the report.
Similarly, the purported petition dated September 15, 2026, and the allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, assault, threatening violence and stealing are strongly disputed and described as fabricated claims intended to create a damaging narrative around the individuals concerned.
The broader allegation that the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State have experienced coordinated armed attacks allegedly sponsored by Local Government Chairmen to silence the opposition is equally rejected as unfounded.
Attempts to associate Igwe Obiora Igwesi and Hon. USA Igwesi with criminal activity or political violence are viewed as an unacceptable effort to tarnish the image of individuals who have served their communities and contributed to the development of Enugu State.
The public, particularly the people of Enugu State, is therefore urged to exercise caution and verify the facts independently before accepting or circulating the allegations contained in the SaharaReporters publication.
Enugu State remains focused on peace, stability and development. Political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into the circulation of unverified allegations capable of inflaming tensions or damaging the reputations of individuals.
The position being maintained by the affected parties is clear: there was no arrest of the named individuals in connection with the alleged incident, no evidence has been presented establishing that any Local Government Chairman sponsored an attack, and the allegations contained in the publication are disputed in their entirety.
The public is encouraged to await verifiable facts from the appropriate authorities rather than rely on claims that have not been independently substantiated.
Fresh legal questions emerge over Chijioke Ugwu’s membership registration after Supreme Court restores party-register provisions
By Our Correspondent
Fresh legal questions have emerged over the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 governorship ticket in Enugu State following the Supreme Court’s restoration of key provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with political party membership registers and the conduct of primaries.
The questions centre on Chief Chijioke Peter Ugwu, who was recently announced by the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, as his running mate.
Nnaji announced Ugwu’s selection on September 24, shortly after the Supreme Court delivered its landmark judgment restoring Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. Ugwu’s selection was subsequently reported by several Nigerian media outlets.
But documents and information available to this newspaper raise a question that could potentially become significant if the PDP ticket is challenged in court.
The PDP governorship primary in Enugu State was conducted on May 25, 2026.
However, Ugwu is understood to have registered as a PDP member on May 31, 2026 — six days after the governorship primary.
This means that if the May 31 registration date is accurately reflected in the party’s official records, his name could not have appeared in the PDP membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the May 25 governorship primary.
That immediately raises the question:
Can a person who was not a member of the party on the date of its governorship primary subsequently be selected as the deputy governorship candidate without the Supreme Court’s restored membership-register provisions affecting the ticket?
What the Supreme Court restored
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on September 24, set aside the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision which had declared the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act unconstitutional.
The apex court upheld the validity of Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2), following an appeal by INEC against the Court of Appeal judgment in the case involving the Zenith Labour Party.
Section 77(5) provides that only persons whose names are contained in a political party’s membership register submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary, congress or convention may participate in the exercise.
Section 77(6) requires political parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, congresses and conventions.
Section 77(7) deals with the consequence of failure by a party to submit its membership register within the prescribed period.
These provisions are now back in force following the Supreme Court judgment. Legal opinions suggest that the law’s insistence on the membership register submitted to INEC is relevant to the validity of the party’s eventual nomination process, depending on how the PDP formally nominated and submitted its governorship and deputy governorship candidates.
The precise documents will therefore be crucial.
Among the questions likely to arise are:
What date did the PDP submit its membership register to INEC?
Was Ugwu’s name contained in that register?
When exactly did Ugwu become a registered PDP member?
Was he a PDP member before the register was submitted to INEC?
How did the PDP formally nominate him as running mate?
Was the nomination made through a procedure recognised by the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution?
The controversy is coming at a sensitive time for the PDP, which has only recently unveiled Ugwu as Nnaji’s running mate. Ugwu, from Nguru in Nsukka Local Government Area, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who runs businesses in logistics, contracting, consultancy and hospitality.
However, the governorship candidate and the deputy governorship candidate constitute a single electoral ticket. Therefore, any legal or constitutional issue affecting the eligibility of the deputy governorship candidate automatically has implications for the validity of the joint ticket, including the governorship candidate.
Another legal opinion available to this newspaper insists that “the gubernatorial ticket is a joint one. If the name of a deputy governor is not on the digital register, it invalidates the entire process.”
In the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election, APC’s David Lyon was declared winner. His running mate was Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.
The Supreme Court later disqualified Degi-Eremienyo over the documents he submitted to INEC. The crucial point was that the Supreme Court held that his disqualification affected the joint ticket he shared with David Lyon. Consequently, the court ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Lyon and his deputy.
This happened one day before Lyon was due to be sworn in as governor. The certificate was subsequently issued to Douye Diri of the PDP, who had the next-highest lawful votes and the required geographical spread.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will commence nationwide on October 9.
The development has prompted calls for eligible voters to visit the INEC office in their respective Local Government Areas to collect their PVCs and ensure they are prepared to participate in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, supporters of Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, Omeiheukwu Akpugoeze, have urged constituents in the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency to support his bid for a second term in the Federal House of Representatives.
The supporters made the appeal while encouraging eligible residents to collect their PVCs and exercise their franchise in the forthcoming election.
Voters are advised to follow official INEC guidelines and verify the applicable collection procedures and dates before visiting their designated collection centres.
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