By Peter Omopo
Abuja, September 9, 2025 — The National Assembly has ruled out the immediate return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) to legislative duties, insisting that her six-month suspension remains in force pending a Court of Appeal ruling.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intention to resume on September 4 — the date she claimed marked the end of her suspension.
However, the Senate clarified that her suspension, which took effect on March 6, 2025, is still a subject of litigation and therefore sub judice.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read in part.
The Senate stressed that any review of her suspension would only be considered after the appellate court delivers its verdict.
Suspension Controversy
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following a resolution of the Senate based on recommendations from the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. She was accused of insubordination after rejecting a change of her designated seat during plenary. The penalty also stripped her of aides, office privileges, and salaries.
The lawmaker, however, argued that her suspension was politically motivated and linked to her petition alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio — a claim the Senate dismissed.
She subsequently challenged the suspension in court and claimed to have obtained a judgment in her favour, though the Senate leadership has maintained its position on enforcing the six-month sanction.
Legal and Political Fallout
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, told The PUNCH that the senator, currently on vacation in London, planned to resume when the Senate reconvenes on September 23. He maintained that her suspension had already lapsed.
This is not the first time the standoff has played out. In July, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to re-enter the National Assembly but was blocked by security operatives, despite being accompanied by a crowd of supporters.
The unfolding legal and political battle highlights ongoing tensions between the embattled senator and the Senate leadership as the matter heads for judicial resolution.
