Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is set to return to the National Assembly later this month following the expiration of her six-month suspension. Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, confirmed the development in Abuja.
According to Giwa, the senator is currently on vacation in London but has already concluded plans to resume plenary when the Senate reconvenes on 23 September 2025.
“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,” he said.
The lawyer further noted that there is no indication that the Senate leadership would obstruct her return, stating that preparations are being made to welcome her back to legislative duties.
“We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all,” Giwa assured.
Background to the suspension
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on 6 March 2025, following a row over seating arrangements during a Senate plenary session. She was accused of insubordination for refusing to comply with a change to her designated seat on the floor of the Senate.
The suspension came on the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which also stripped her of all parliamentary privileges, including official aides, office access, and salary.
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan consistently maintained that her suspension was politically motivated. She accused the Senate leadership, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio, of targeting her in retaliation for a petition she filed, in which she alleged that Akpabio had sexually harassed her—an accusation the Senate summarily dismissed.
Legal challenge, standoff
Unwilling to accept the suspension without resistance, the lawmaker challenged the decision in court and claimed to have secured a judgment in her favour. Despite this, the Senate leadership held firm, insisting she would remain suspended for the full six-month duration.
In July, Akpoti-Uduaghan made an attempt to resume her legislative duties, arriving at the National Assembly complex accompanied by supporters. However, security personnel denied her entry, resulting in a brief standoff.
With the suspension period now officially over as of Saturday, 6 September, her legal team insists that there are no remaining legal or procedural barriers to her return.
“Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” said Giwa.
Senate leadership yet to respond
Efforts to get an official response from the Senate leadership were unsuccessful as of press time. Calls and text messages sent to Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu and Senate President Akpabio’s media aide went unanswered.
However, sources within the National Assembly suggest that the atmosphere surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return is calmer than in previous months, and there is a general expectation that her resumption will proceed without incident when plenary resumes on the 23rd.
Political implications
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains one of the few vocal female senators in the current assembly and has been a prominent advocate for transparency, anti-corruption, and gender rights.
Her suspension had drawn criticism from civil society groups and rights organisations, many of whom accused the Senate of using disciplinary measures to silence dissenting voices—especially women.
With her return now imminent, political observers will be watching closely to see whether her reinstatement will mark a turning point in her relationship with the Senate leadership, or whether further tensions are likely to emerge.
