Senate blocks Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return over court case

Senate Blocks Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming plenary duties, citing a pending appeal court ruling on her suspension challenge

Senate Blocks Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties, insisting that her six-month suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of her legal challenge at the Court of Appeal.

Also read:Court declares Senator Natasha suspension illegal, excessive

In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate formally responded to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intended return.

The Kogi Central lawmaker had written to the Senate indicating her plan to resume duties on the same day, claiming her suspension had elapsed.

However, the Senate clarified that the suspension, which took effect on March 6, 2025, remains sub judice, and therefore no action would be taken until the court delivers a final ruling.

“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.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from a Senate resolution following allegations of insubordination during plenary, particularly after she rejected a reassignment of her seat on the floor.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions recommended her suspension, which was adopted, stripping her of salaries, aides, and office access.

The senator, however, maintains her suspension was politically motivated.

She has repeatedly alleged that her ordeal followed her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, claims the Senate has dismissed as baseless.

Her legal team, led by counsel Victor Giwa, has argued that she secured a favorable court judgment, allowing her to resume.

Giwa confirmed that the senator, currently vacationing in London, planned to rejoin her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.

This is not the first time Akpoti-Uduaghan has attempted to return to the Red Chamber. In July 2025, her effort to enter the National Assembly ended in a standoff with security operatives, who blocked her entry as supporters rallied outside in protest.

While the six-month suspension period is near its expiration by her calculation, the Senate insists no administrative process can override an ongoing legal dispute.

The legislative body will not consider her reinstatement until the Court of Appeal delivers its ruling.

The case underscores rising tensions between lawmakers and challenges of due process within the legislature.

It also places a spotlight on the intersection of politics, gender rights, and legal accountability in Nigeria’s democratic process.