Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared her intention to return to legislative duties on Tuesday, days after a Federal High Court judgment overturned her suspension and directed her immediate reinstatement.
However, while the embattled lawmaker is preparing to resume her Senate seat, the leadership of the upper chamber insists it will wait to receive and scrutinize the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, before taking any official action.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, explained that although the Senate’s legal representatives were present in court during the ruling, the full decision was not read in open session.
He confirmed that a formal request for the CTC had been submitted and the chamber would wait for legal advice based on the document.
“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position,” Adaramodu stated.
He emphasized that, as no enrolled order of the judgment had yet been officially served to the Senate or other parties in the suit, enforcement of the court’s directive could not lawfully proceed.
Despite the Senate’s cautionary stance, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan released a video on social media over the weekend, celebrating what she described as a legal victory and announcing her imminent return.
“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she said in the video, which quickly gained traction online.
The Federal High Court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, held that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension lacked constitutional backing and violated the rights of the people of Kogi Central to be represented in the National Assembly. The judge ordered her reinstatement with immediate effect.
However, in a twist to the legal outcome, the court also found the senator guilty of contempt over a social media post that mocked Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The court described the Facebook message, which included a satirical “apology,” as a violation of an earlier injunction issued on March 4, 2025. The injunction had barred all parties from making public statements on the ongoing legal challenge.
As a consequence, Justice Nyako imposed a fine of ₦5 million on Akpoti-Uduaghan for breaching the court’s order.
The senator’s suspension in March followed a chaotic Senate session marred by intense disagreement over seating arrangements. The episode took a new turn days later when she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a televised interview, further fueling the controversy.
The court, in its decision, noted that the extended suspension process was procedurally flawed and lacked constitutional merit. Justice Nyako further ruled that the move disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central, who are entitled to active representation in the Senate.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Kogi Renaissance Group has issued a warning to Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her to avoid any form of unlawful conduct or attempts to forcibly gain access to the Senate chamber.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Segun Faniyi, the group cautioned that while the judgment favored the senator’s reinstatement, the court also imposed penalties for contempt—an outcome that demands restraint rather than confrontation.
Reports suggesting that the senator intended to “storm” the National Assembly in protest were described by the group as ill-advised and potentially damaging to both the judiciary and the legislature.
“Such a move would not only escalate tensions but also disrespect the judiciary’s ruling and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative institution,” Faniyi said.
The group admitted to previously backing Akpoti-Uduaghan based on what it now sees as incomplete information and tendered an apology to the Senate and Senate President for the senator’s earlier conduct.
“We now recognise the need for restraint and adherence to due process,” the group added, calling for a resolution of the matter within legal and institutional frameworks.
As tensions simmer, all eyes are on Tuesday to see whether the senator will follow through with her pledge to resume and how the Senate leadership will respond once the court’s CTC is formally received and reviewed.
What you should know
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan says she will return to the Senate on Tuesday, following a court ruling declaring her suspension unconstitutional.
While the Senate awaits the Certified True Copy of the judgment before taking formal steps, the court also fined her ₦5 million for contempt. Her actions have stirred political debate, with pressure mounting for all sides to adhere strictly to legal processes.
