In legislative bodies worldwide, seating arrangements are more than mere formalities; they often reflect the intricate dynamics of political power, hierarchy, and tradition.
On February 20, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), challenged her assigned seating position in the Senate chamber.
Citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which safeguards members’ privileges, she refused to occupy the designated seat.
The situation escalated when Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed security to remove her from the chamber, but intervention from fellow lawmakers prevented further conflict.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu later criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, emphasising that the National Assembly is a place for serious business, not “content creation in entertainment.”
“The National Assembly is not for content creation in entertainment. It is for serious business,” he stated.
Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South, also refuted allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan was being bullied or sidelined. He noted that as a first-term senator, she had already been appointed chair of three committees—Foreign Affairs and NGOs—despite the standard allocation of one committee chairmanship per senator.
He further revealed that Senator Isah Jubril of Kogi State had apologised on her behalf, and the matter was considered resolved.
“The Senate as a whole has accepted that apology, so we are not revisiting the issue,” Adaramodu affirmed.
Meanwhile, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not given a fair hearing. She pointed out that Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules permits lawmakers to speak on matters affecting them, yet Akpabio did not allow her to fully present her case.
“We have seen tougher and angrier agitations from senators without them being silenced,” Mbamalu noted, recalling a 2018 dispute involving Akpabio and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
She stressed that Akpoti-Uduaghan remained calm and respectful, referencing the rule book throughout her protest, rather than resorting to aggression.
The controversy has sparked discussions on gender representation and the treatment of first-time senators in Nigeria’s legislative process.
