The political battle between the Nigerian Senate and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central (PDP), has taken another turn as the Senate has once again blocked her attempt to resume legislative duties, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension. In a decision that underscores the ongoing legal tussle surrounding her case, the Senate leadership said Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot yet return to the Red Chamber because the matter remains tied up at the Court of Appeal, where both she and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have active cases challenging aspects of the Federal High Court’s earlier judgment.
Why Natasha Cannot Resume Yet
In a letter signed by Yahaya Danzaria, acting for the Clerk to the National Assembly, the Senate stressed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which officially began on March 6, 2025, is still in force until the Court of Appeal rules. The senator had written to the Assembly on September 4, 2025, notifying them that her six-month suspension had elapsed, but the Senate clarified that the matter is subjudice and therefore outside administrative review.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the Senate’s letter read in part.
Lawyer Insists Suspension Has Expired
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, told reporters that the Kogi lawmaker had completed her suspension and was ready to return on September 23, 2025. Giwa added that Akpoti-Uduaghan, currently in London, had prepared to resume and that there had been assurances from Senate leadership that she would face no obstacles.
“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said.
Background to the Suspension
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a resolution of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. She was accused of insubordination after resisting a reassignment of her designated seat during plenary. The sanctions included the loss of office privileges, aides, and salaries.
She, however, insisted that the suspension was politically motivated, linking it to a petition she had filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.
Court Rulings and Ongoing Appeals
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ruled that while the Senate had powers to suspend its members, such suspensions could not extend beyond one legislative session. The same ruling found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt for violating a gag order with a Facebook post, imposing a ₦5 million fine and ordering her to publish apologies in newspapers and on social media.
Both sides appealed: Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the fine, while Senate President Akpabio appealed the decision limiting the Senate’s suspension powers.
The clash escalated in July 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to storm the National Assembly with supporters to enforce her return, but security agents blocked her entry, leading to a heated standoff.
READ ALSO: Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan Blocked from Entering National Assembly Despite Court Ruling
What Happens Next
Although her lawyer insists the suspension has technically expired, the Senate has made it clear that her return depends on the Court of Appeal’s verdict and not merely the passage of six months. For now, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains outside the Senate chambers, with her political future hanging on the outcome of the appeal cases still before the judiciary.
