Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has alleged that the signatures of at least three senators were forged or improperly included on the report that recommended the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Oshiomhole made the disclosure during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT), while reacting to comments by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who recently described the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as one of the lowest points of the 10th Senate.
The former Edo State governor claimed that at least three senators whose names appeared on the report had informed him that they neither signed the document nor endorsed its recommendations. According to him, the inclusion of their names raises serious concerns about the authenticity of the report that formed the basis for the disciplinary action against the Kogi Central senator.
Oshiomhole specifically alleged that the signatures of at least three senators were forged or improperly appended to the report, describing the development as a grave procedural irregularity. He maintained that lawmakers who disagree with the contents of a committee report have the right to abstain from signing it, and that including their names without their consent undermines the credibility of the legislative process.
He specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory, who, he said, expressed surprise at seeing her name listed among those who endorsed the report.
“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.
“People like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published.’”
Oshiomhole further suggested that attendance registers may have been substituted for actual signatures, a practice he described as inappropriate and inconsistent with established legislative procedure.
“So, where many don’t accept the content, they could abstain from signing it because to sign is to endorse. One, two or three senators said, ‘We didn’t sign, but our names were there,’” he stated.
“But how? Some say maybe they attached an attendance register, which is not the appropriate thing. But that’s not my problem. If Opeyemi said so, I think you should take it seriously.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 following allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behaviour arising from her prolonged dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension barred her from participating in Senate proceedings for six months, denied her access to the National Assembly complex, halted her salaries and allowances, and led to the sealing of her office.
Oshiomhole’s allegations are expected to fuel fresh controversy over the circumstances surrounding the suspension and may trigger renewed calls for an independent review of the committee report and the procedures that led to the disciplinary action.
As of press time, the Senate leadership had not officially responded to the allegations.
