A tense showdown unfolded in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) was walked out of the chamber after fiercely protesting the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Upon arriving at the plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her seat had been reassigned and her name-plate removed. Outraged, she confronted the Senate leadership, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges. However, Akpabio refused to recognize her protest, escalating tensions.
As her defiance continued, Senate security officials, including the Sergeant-at-Arms, were called in to restore order, ultimately escorting her out of the chamber. The dramatic scene drew the attention of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and other lawmakers, who intervened to prevent further escalation.
Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) later attempted to downplay the incident, explaining under Order 42 that the seat reallocation was procedural due to recent resignations and internal adjustments. He urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to accept the change without further dispute.
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Meanwhile, Senator Karimi Sunday (Kogi West), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of unfairly targeting him in her protest, warning against internal divisions within the chamber.
In his final ruling, Akpabio defended the seat reassignment as routine, citing Senate Standing Orders. He called for restraint and urged lawmakers to focus on legislative duties rather than personal grievances.
Despite attempts to restore order, the incident underscored deepening tensions within the Senate, raising questions about internal power struggles and political maneuvering in the upper chamber.