The National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, following a protracted suspension that began in March 2025.
Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was officially reopened on Tuesday morning by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, in the presence of security personnel.
The red seal placed on the office door was removed, marking the formal end of the physical restrictions imposed during her suspension.
“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” Adedeji stated in a video circulated on Tuesday.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on 6 March 2025 for alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her Senate seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on 20 February. The suspension barred her from participating in all 10th Senate activities for six months.
Although the suspension lapsed in September, the senator faced further delays in resuming her legislative duties due to unresolved legal issues and continued opposition from Senate leadership.
On 4 July, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional. Following the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Senate notifying them of her intention to resume. However, the National Assembly reportedly declined her request.
It remains unclear whether the unsealing of her office grants her full access to Senate facilities or a return to legislative duties, as no formal resolution has yet been issued by the Senate. Her potential return to the chamber may be clarified when the Senate reconvenes for plenary on 7 October.
The situation has reignited debate over legislative discipline, due process, and the rights of elected officials within Nigeria’s parliamentary framework.
