The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has completed the six-month suspension handed down by the Senate on March 6, 2025, clearing the way for her return to plenary.

The outspoken lawmaker was barred from legislative duties, entry into the National Assembly, and access to official resources after being accused of breaching Senate rules.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, has consistently dismissed the sanction as politically motivated, insisting it was triggered by her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

Her suspension sparked weeks of tension, climaxing in July when she stormed the National Assembly complex with her lawyers, brandishing a court judgment she claimed ordered her recall.

With the suspension now expired, attention has shifted to how her re-entry into the chamber will play out amid lingering friction with the Senate leadership.

The lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, on Saturday announced his exit from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), hours after his sudden expulsion from the party.

Hon. Jibrin, who was expelled by the faction loyal to former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over alleged anti-party activities and non-payment of dues, described the decision as shocking and unjustified.

In an official statement made available to The Tide source, Hon. Jibrin said the interview he granted recently in both English and Hausa should not have attracted such a “heavy penalty,” noting that dissenting views were part of the party’s core principles.

“I strongly believe the contents of the interview I granted few days ago should not warrant such a penalty because it is in tandem with the core principles of our party and movement which allows for dissenting views,” he said.

The lawmaker accused the party of violating the principles of fair hearing and due process by expelling him without giving him the opportunity to defend himself.

“No invitation was extended to me to explain myself. Even under military dictatorship, an accused is subjected to a court martial,” he said.

While stressing that he would have preferred to remain in the NNPP despite differences, Hon. Jibrin said he accepted the party’s decision in good faith and would not challenge it in court.

On allegations of non-payment of dues, Hon. Jibrin insisted he never refused to fulfil his obligations, saying he was ready to clear any outstanding payments if presented with an invoice.

“There is no need to go to court. I respectfully request the party to send me the invoice and I will promptly pay,” he said.

Taking a swipe at the party’s leadership style, the former Director-General of the Tinubu Support Groups accused the NNPP of failing to value its members.

“The party does not believe anybody has political value and comes short in treating people with respect. No matter what you bring on board, you are a nobody,” he said.

Hon. Jibrin, however, thanked the NNPP for the support he enjoyed during his stay, and called on his supporters to join him in his “new journey,” while maintaining peaceful ties with those who choose to remain in the party.

He concluded by saying he would carefully weigh his options before deciding on his next political home.

“I welcome all my supporters who wish to join me in my new journey… I will carefully weigh all the options before me as I decide on my next political home. So help me God”, he said.

The development marks another major twist in Kano politics, where the NNPP is battling internal schisms between the Kwankwasiyya faction and other stakeholders.

Hon. Jibrin’s exit comes just months after he hinted that he might leave the party, fueling speculation about a possible return to the APC.

The former governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Mr Rhodes-Vivour formally joined the ADC at an event in Lagos on Saturday.

He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sealing a venue approved for the event.

“It is truly disappointing that the Lagos APC is abusing state institutions by sealing off the venue where the ADC was scheduled to hold a meeting tomorrow after obtaining the necessary approvals,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“This is not only an abuse of power, it is a clear attempt to stifle opposition voices in Lagos. We understand that the APC is jittery about the momentum the ADC and obidients are building across the state, but deploying state security agencies to frustrate lawful political activities is unacceptable and undemocratic.

“Lagos belongs to all of us, not a select few. And it is our constitutional right to assemble lawfully. Let it be clear that no amount of intimidation or harassment will stop us from engaging with the people of Lagos. Our movement is powered by the people, and no barricade or show of force can weaken their resolve for a better Lagos”, he added.

On August 30, suspected thugs disrupted the inauguration of an ADC transition committee in Kaduna, attacking participants and damaging property.

The hoodlums, armed with cutlasses, clubs, and stones, were said to have injured several people and destroyed vehicles.