The protracted standoff between the Senate leadership and embattled lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi Central, appears to be easing following the unsealing of her office within the National Assembly complex.
On Tuesday, combined personnel of the Sergeant-at-Arms and other security agencies reopened Office 205 in the Senate wing, which had remained sealed since her suspension earlier this year. The move effectively grants Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan renewed access to the National Assembly premises, potentially paving the way for her full return to legislative activities.
Sources within the Assembly disclosed that the decision was part of resolutions reached at a leadership meeting held Monday. According to insiders, a formal motion is expected to be raised during plenary when the Senate reconvenes on October 7, 2025. Under the plan, the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), is expected to move the motion for Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an apology, which would then be seconded and adopted by the chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, was handed a six-month suspension in March 2025. Her disciplinary measure stemmed from a February protest on the Senate floor after her seat was reassigned by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in what the leadership described as a violation of the Senate’s Standing Orders.
Although her suspension formally lapsed in September, she remained barred from resuming duties due to a mix of legal disputes and Senate resistance. In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, directing the Senate to reinstate her. The Senate, however, insisted she serve the full suspension, sparking further legal battles.
Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Michael Jonathan Numa, subsequently wrote to the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, demanding immediate reinstatement. The letter warned that failure to comply by September 15 could trigger contempt proceedings, disciplinary actions, and other legal remedies.
The CNA, however, maintained that his office lacked the authority to reverse Senate resolutions, stressing that only the chamber itself could determine whether she could resume duties without further resolutions.
Analysts suggest the reopening of her office is a strong indication that Senate leadership may be preparing to reintegrate her when plenary resumes. For her constituents in Kogi Central, who have endured months without direct representation, the development may finally close a turbulent chapter marked by suspensions, legal tussles, and political brinkmanship.
