Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP), on Tuesday resumed plenary at the National Assembly after serving a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate.
The lawmaker arrived at the Senate chamber at exactly 11:42 a.m., marking her official return to legislative duties.
She walked into the chamber, proceeded to her seat, and exchanged greetings with some of her colleagues before taking her place.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was accompanied by several activists, including Bring Back Our Girls campaigner Aisha Yesufu, who was seen in the Senate gallery. However, many of her supporters who attempted to gain access to the gallery were denied entry by security officials.
Background to the Suspension
The Kogi Central lawmaker was suspended in March 2025 for six months following a heated disagreement over the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20. The Senate accused her of misconduct and barred her from participating in all activities of the 10th Senate.
At the time, she was serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs. Her suspension sparked controversy, with many civil society groups describing it as politically motivated.
Court Declares Suspension Unconstitutional
In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional. The judge ordered her immediate recall, stating that denying her constituents representation for six months violated their constitutional rights.
Despite the court’s decision, the Senate leadership refused to allow her return, maintaining that the matter was still pending before the Court of Appeal.
Letter from Counsel and Senate’s Response
Following the expiration of the suspension in September, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), wrote to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, demanding her immediate reinstatement.
In the letter dated September 11, Numa warned that failure to recall the senator by September 15 would result in contempt proceedings and other legal actions against the CNA personally and officially.
RELATED STORIES:
- Inside Senate Suspensions: Who Faced the Axe, Why
- Natasha’s Return to Senate Hits a Brick Wall
- Senate Reopens Natasha Office Ahead of Resumption
Responding through a statement issued by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the CNA maintained that his office lacked the authority to reverse Senate resolutions. He explained that his role was purely administrative and that any decision regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return could only be made by the Senate itself.
Senate Finally Unseals Office
After months of back-and-forth, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, Alabi Adedeji, formally reopened Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing earlier in September, accompanied by security personnel.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who insisted she had no apology to tender, later resumed plenary, ending months of legal and political confrontation with the Senate leadership.
Return Marks End of Prolonged Standoff
Her return to the red chamber marks the end of a prolonged standoff that had raised questions about legislative accountability and internal discipline in the Senate.
For her supporters, Tuesday’s resumption represents a victory for due process and democratic representation. However, observers say the controversy underscores growing tension between the judiciary and legislature over the limits of parliamentary privilege.
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.
