The National Assembly complex encountered drama on Tuesday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied entry into the premises by security operatives.
9News Nigeria report that Senator Akpoti arrived at the National Assembly around mid-morning and was forced to walk from the first security checkpoint, as her vehicle was barred from advancing to the main gate.
Despite identifying herself and being accompanied by a small group of aides and supporters, she was stopped at the final gate and denied access into the complex.
In a video that surfaced online shortly after the incident, the visibly angry senator confronted security personnel, demanding to know why she was being denied entry.
She could be heard describing the action as “a disgrace to democracy” and an abuse of privilege by unnamed individuals in the leadership of the Assembly.
Sources within the Assembly security unit suggest that the directive to bar Senator Akpoti may have come from senior officials, though no official statement has been released at the time of this report.
The gates of the complex were reportedly shut immediately after her arrival, leaving several legislative staff and aides stranded outside for over an hour.
It wasn’t until Senator Akpoti was escorted back to her vehicle and left the premises that normal access resumed.
Senator Akpoti, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has been known for her vocal advocacy on transparency, women’s rights, and accountability in government.
The incident has already sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for an investigation into what they describe as a “humiliating abuse of office.”
