- Senate Moves to Resolve Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Crisis.
Strong indications emerged on Tuesday that the standoff between embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio may finally be nearing resolution.
The office of the suspended lawmaker, Room 205 in the Senate wing, was unsealed by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly with support from security agencies, granting her access to both her office and the National Assembly premises.
This move raises the possibility of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan resuming her legislative duties after months of suspension. Sources revealed that the decision followed a leadership meeting of the Senate, where it was agreed that a motion may soon be moved for her to tender an apology before full reinstatement.
Background
In March 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, then Chair of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, was suspended for six months over alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio. The suspension, which barred her from all activities of the 10th Senate, formally lapsed in September. However, she was unable to return due to lingering legal disputes and opposition from Senate leadership.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, had in July declared her six-month suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” with Justice Binta Nyako ruling that such an action deprived her constituents of representation. Despite this, the Senate maintained its stance, insisting she must serve out her full term of suspension.
Legal Battle
Through her counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, demanding her recall. Her legal team threatened further action, including contempt proceedings, should she not be allowed to resume.
The CNA, however, responded that his office had no authority to reverse Senate decisions, stressing that only the Senate itself could determine her reinstatement.
What Next?
With her office now reopened, attention shifts to whether the Senate leadership will allow her return to plenary without further conditions, or if fresh resolutions will be required. The matter is expected to generate heated debate as the Senate resumes full sessions.
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