The Senate has declared that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, cannot return to office despite completing the six-month suspension imposed on her earlier this year.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intention to resume duties.
However, the letter stressed that her suspension remains in force until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment in the case she filed challenging the Senate’s decision.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
The Senate insists her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, is still active, regardless of the timeline she claims has elapsed. It also affirmed that only after the appellate court rules on her suit will her case be reviewed.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended following accusations of insubordination after she resisted being reassigned to a different seat during plenary.
Acting on the recommendations of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the Senate also stripped her of aides, office privileges, and salaries.
The lawmaker, however, has maintained that her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation the Senate dismissed.
In July, she attempted to force her way back into the National Assembly after securing a court judgment she claimed favored her recall. The effort ended in a standoff as security operatives blocked her entry while supporters rallied outside.
For now, her fate rests with the Court of Appeal, which will determine whether she regains her seat or remains sidelined.
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