Aisha Yesufu Slams Senate Over Natasha Suspension, Says Nigerians Must Question Akpabio’s Leadership Style

 

Prominent activist and vocal critic of political leaders, Aisha Yesufu, has once again stirred the national conversation with her strong reaction to the ongoing tussle between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership. The controversy centers on the refusal of the National Assembly to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan resume legislative duties after a six-month suspension that began in March 2025.

Yesufu, known for her fiery interventions on governance and accountability, directly addressed Senate President Godswill Akpabio in a post shared on her X platform. She declared that Nigerians must begin to ask tough questions, writing pointedly, “It is time to ask Akpabio ‘WETIN?’” Her brief but piercing message reflects growing frustration among citizens and civil society groups who see Natasha’s suspension as politically motivated and unnecessarily prolonged.

The matter became more contentious on September 4, 2025, when Natasha, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, wrote the Senate to notify them of her intention to return to the chamber. According to her understanding, her suspension, handed down on March 6, had elapsed after six months. However, the Senate rejected her move, insisting that her punishment was still in effect. A letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, stressed that the suspension would remain valid until the Court of Appeal decides on the case Natasha filed challenging her punishment.

That official correspondence emphasized that since the judiciary is already seized of the matter, the Senate cannot take administrative action until a verdict is delivered. The response left Natasha unable to resume her legislative responsibilities, despite her expectation that the time frame had already expired.

The origin of the suspension traces back to a heated disagreement during plenary in March. Natasha was accused of insubordination after refusing to accept a reassignment from her designated seat in the chamber. While some senators viewed her action as a breach of decorum, others argued that the punishment was disproportionate, fueling debates about fairness and internal discipline within the National Assembly.

For activists like Aisha Yesufu, the continued resistance against Natasha’s return is a signal of deeper issues within the Senate. She framed her intervention as a call to Nigerians to hold Akpabio accountable, warning that silence in the face of such actions only empowers leaders to act with impunity. Her post has already sparked waves of reactions across social media, with supporters echoing her demand for clarity on why the Senate President seems determined to block Natasha’s comeback.

Observers believe the case highlights broader themes of gender, power, and political dynamics in Nigeria’s legislature. Natasha, one of the few female senators, has often been described as outspoken and unwilling to yield to political pressures. Some analysts suggest that her independence has made her a target, while others insist that her clash with Senate leadership stems from simple internal protocol disagreements.

Critics of the suspension point out that senators have previously engaged in far more disruptive conduct without receiving such harsh penalties. They argue that the punishment and the Senate’s current position reflect selective justice, raising questions about consistency in enforcing rules. Civil society groups monitoring the development say it sends a troubling message about how dissenting voices are treated in the upper chamber.

The Senate’s defense rests on legal technicalities. Officials maintain that the matter now lies with the Court of Appeal, and until the judiciary rules, any administrative reversal would amount to prejudicing the case. Still, that justification has done little to calm public outrage, especially after Natasha was seen attempting to prepare for resumption only to be turned away.

Public discourse is intensifying as Nigerians debate whether Akpabio is wielding his office fairly. Some accuse him of orchestrating the Senate’s stance to maintain control and silence perceived rivals. Others argue that he is simply upholding established procedures. Either way, Aisha Yesufu’s bold statement has shifted attention back to Akpabio personally, forcing him into the spotlight at a time when questions about transparency in the National Assembly are mounting.

The next steps remain uncertain. Natasha’s legal challenge continues at the Court of Appeal, but judicial processes are often lengthy. Until a verdict is reached, she remains suspended, and her constituents in Kogi Central are left without full representation in the Senate. This development has already triggered concerns among stakeholders in the district, who fear their voices are being sidelined in national decisions.

Aisha Yesufu’s intervention is likely to galvanize further scrutiny. Over the years, she has built a reputation for fearlessly calling out political figures, from presidents to party leaders, whenever she perceives injustice or mismanagement. By placing Akpabio at the center of public questioning, she has set the stage for renewed debates about accountability, leadership, and democratic fairness in Nigeria’s legislature.

The unfolding saga serves as another reminder of the fragile relationship between elected representatives, the institutions meant to regulate them, and the citizens who depend on them. As Natasha battles legally for her right to return to the Senate, and as Aisha Yesufu amplifies the demand for accountability, Nigerians watch closely to see whether justice will ultimately prevail or whether political maneuvering will continue to overshadow democratic principles.