Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, broke her silence following a public confrontation with staff and fellow senators regarding her alleged exclusion from a crucial Senate Committee meeting.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, February 16, involved the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), chaired by Senator Titus Zam, and concerned deliberations on the commission's 2026 budget proposal.

In a statement released on her Instagram page, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that she was deliberately sidelined from the meeting despite being a duly nominated member of the committee.

The senator described the incident as both “disrespectful” and “deeply concerning,” arguing that such actions undermine not only her mandate as a representative of Kogi Central but also the principles of transparency and inclusion expected within the Nigerian Senate.

According to her, attempts to gain access to the meeting venue were met with resistance from committee staff, prompting a heated exchange that later drew the attention of other lawmakers. Eyewitness accounts suggest the confrontation briefly disrupted proceedings, further escalating tensions within the chamber.

The committee in question, chaired by Titus Zam, is tasked with overseeing the activities and budget of the North Central Development Commission, a body considered critical to addressing infrastructure deficits and economic development across the region.

While there has been no official statement from the committee leadership at the time of reporting, sources within the Senate indicate that internal disagreements over membership, meeting procedures, and budget priorities may have contributed to the situation.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her exclusion raises broader questions about fairness and due process within legislative operations. She called for clarity on committee protocols and urged Senate leadership to ensure that all members are given equal opportunity to participate in oversight functions.

The incident has since sparked reactions from political observers and civil society groups, some of whom view it as indicative of deeper structural and interpersonal frictions within Nigeria’s legislative system.

As of now, the Nigerian Senate leadership has yet to publicly address the matter, leaving questions about accountability, committee transparency, and internal cohesion hanging over the ongoing budget deliberations.