By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 7, 2025 — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced her return to the Senate on Tuesday, following a court judgment declaring her six-month suspension unconstitutional.
In a video message shared on social media and widely circulated on Sunday, the embattled lawmaker expressed gratitude to her supporters and described the court’s decision as a victory for democracy and the people of Kogi Central.
“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said in the video. “We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God.”
Her return follows a ruling delivered on Friday by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who declared the suspension “unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of the rights of her constituents to representation.”
The court also ordered the immediate reinstatement of Akpoti-Uduaghan to her seat in the upper legislative chamber, affirming that the Senate lacked the constitutional authority to impose such a prolonged suspension.
However, the court did not absolve the senator entirely. Justice Nyako found her guilty of contempt of court for a controversial Facebook post described as a “satirical apology” addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the period of her suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had faced mounting political and legal pressure since her suspension in early 2025, a move that drew criticism from civil society groups and opposition lawmakers.
With her reinstatement, she is expected to rejoin legislative activities and resume full representation of her constituents at the Red Chamber.
