The National Assembly has said Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) cannot return to her seat yet, even though her six-month suspension has elapsed.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notice of intention to resume duties. However, it insisted that her suspension remains in effect until the Court of Appeal rules on her case against the Senate.
“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.
The Senate maintained that her suspension, which took effect on March 6, 2025, cannot be administratively reviewed until the judiciary delivers a verdict.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March after she reportedly refused to comply with a directive to change her designated seat during plenary. Based on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the suspension also stripped her of aides, office privileges, and salaries.
The senator has repeatedly argued that her suspension was politically motivated and linked to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment — an allegation the Senate dismissed.
She challenged the decision in court and claims to have secured a judgment in her favour. However, in July, her attempt to return to the chamber led to a standoff, as security operatives prevented her entry despite a rally of supporters outside the National Assembly.
