The National Assembly has maintained that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central cannot yet resume her duties, even though she insists her six-month suspension has lapsed.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, acknowledged receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intent to return on the same date, which she argued marked the expiration of her suspension.
However, the Senate clarified that her suspension remains valid until the Court of Appeal rules on the case she filed challenging the action. According to the letter, the suspension took effect on March 6, 2025, and the matter is still before the court.
“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, reaffirming that her case would only be reviewed after the judiciary delivers its verdict.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 over allegations of insubordination, after she opposed being reassigned to a new seat during plenary. The Senate, acting on recommendations from its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, not only suspended her but also stripped her of office privileges, aides, and salaries.
The senator has consistently argued that her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to her petition in which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—allegations the Senate dismissed outright.
Following her suspension, she sought legal redress and claimed to have secured a judgment in her favour. In July, she attempted to return to her seat, but security operatives prevented her entry, leading to a standoff with supporters gathered outside the National Assembly.
What you should know
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension officially ended on September 4, but the Senate insists she cannot resume until the Court of Appeal rules on her case.
Her suspension, which she claims was politically motivated, stemmed from allegations of insubordination after rejecting a seat change during plenary.
