Oshiomhole Alleges Forgery of Three Senators’ Signatures in Natasha Suspension Report

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the signatures of at least three lawmakers were forged or improperly included in the report that recommended the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Edo North senator made the claim during a television interview while reacting to remarks by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who recently described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the lowest points of the 10th Senate.

Oshiomhole specifically cited Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, as one of those who raised concerns. “People like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published,'” Oshiomhole stated. He explained that committee members are expected to sign a report to endorse it, and those who do not agree can abstain.

“The committee does a hearing; members are expected to sign the report to endorse it. If you don’t agree, you can abstain. But some said they didn’t sign, yet their names were published,” Oshiomhole said. He suggested that attendance registers may have been used in place of actual signatures, describing such a practice as inappropriate. “One, two or three senators said, ‘We didn’t sign, but our names were there,'” he added.

In response, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the allegation, insisting that no senator has raised any formal complaint about forged signatures. “If Senator Kingibe had anything against any procedure, she would report it on the floor of the Senate, not to an individual,” Adaramodu said. He added, “I was part of the Ethics and Public Petitions Committee that listened to the matter. Nobody will say that he or she was coerced or somebody’s signature was forged; that has never happened in the Senate and it cannot happen.”

Adaramodu stated that the Senate would review Oshiomhole’s televised comments before determining any further action, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was debated and approved during a live plenary session. “It was debated on the floor of the Senate openly at the plenary in the full glare of every Nigerian and even the international audience, and so nothing to hide,” he said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March 2025 following allegations of gross misconduct linked to her persistent accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension barred her from the National Assembly complex, halted her salary and allowances, and led to the sealing of her office. A court later ruled that the six-month suspension was excessive and ordered that it be lifted.