Security operatives on Tuesday barred suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the National Assembly complex.
The Kogi Central lawmaker arrived at the National Assembly around noon, accompanied by supporters and activist Aisha Yesufu. Her convoy was stopped at the first gate by security personnel, and she was denied entry.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was in a black vehicle, stepped out after waiting several minutes. She attempted to proceed into the complex on foot with her supporters. At the second gate, she was again stopped and asked to turn back. Despite resistance from her team and chants of “Push!” by supporters, she was blocked at a third barrier where the gate was locked.
After being denied access, she expressed frustration and said she would consult her legal team. She vowed to resume fully once the Senate reconvenes after its expected two-month recess.
Last week, Akpoti-Uduaghan had announced plans to resume her legislative duties, citing a court ruling delivered on July 4 by Justice Binta Nyako. The court found her six-month suspension “excessive” and without legal justification, ordering her reinstatement.
Her suspension was originally imposed on March 6, 2025, following allegations of misconduct and disorder during a Senate session. She had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation Akpabio denied.
READ ALSO: Akpabio Challenges Court Order Recalling Suspended Natasha
Senate Insists on Suspension
Despite the court’s ruling, the Senate maintains that Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended. In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu argued that the judgement did not include a mandatory order compelling her recall.
He said, “There is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber. The Senate will consider the court’s advisory opinion at the appropriate time.”
Adaramodu accused the senator of acting on an “imaginary order, ”warning her against further attempts to force her way into the chamber.
“The Senate will not tolerate disruption of its proceedings. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should respect due process,” he said.
Appeal Filed by Senate President
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal against the Federal High Court ruling. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, submitted the appeal on July 14, seeking to overturn Justice Nyako’s decision.
The Senate insists it will only act on the outcome of the legal process and not on any public declaration.
Background and Political Tensions
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained at the centre of a growing political dispute since her suspension in March. She had initially chaired the Senate Committee on Local Content but was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee during a reshuffle in February.
Following her suspension, Senate President Akpabio removed her from the Diaspora Committee as well, replacing her with Senator Aniekan Bassey from Akwa Ibom North-East.
As her legal battle with the Senate leadership has now entered its fifth month, her suspension and the Senate’s response to the court ruling have raised questions about the legislature’s commitment to judicial decisions and the rights of elected lawmakers.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s next steps will depend on the outcome of her legal consultations. Meanwhile, political watchers continue to monitor the unfolding confrontation between the senator and the Senate leadership.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
