The National Assembly has halted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned return to the Red Chamber, insisting that her suspension remains in force until a pending legal dispute is resolved at the Court of Appeal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had on September 4, 2025, formally notified Senate leadership of her intention to resume duties, claiming her six-month suspension had elapsed.
However, in a reply signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, she was told that the matter was still sub judice and that no administrative steps could be taken until the judiciary concludes its deliberations.
“The matter, therefore, remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved,” the letter stated.
The dispute stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension on March 6, 2025, following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements during plenary. The incident triggered disciplinary proceedings, which led to a six-month suspension, loss of aides, and withdrawal of office privileges.
Unwilling to accept the sanction, the senator sought legal redress at the Federal High Court, but the court upheld the Senate’s decision. She then proceeded to the Court of Appeal, where the matter is currently pending.
The National Assembly emphasized that the outcome of the appellate case would determine the final position on her suspension, stressing that the Senate cannot act independently of the court’s ruling.
While her supporters have argued that the expiration of six months automatically entitles her to return, legislative authorities insist that the unresolved legal battle overrides the timeline.
Observers note that the case could set a precedent for how far legislative bodies can go in disciplining members without contravening constitutional provisions on representation and due process.
For now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must wait for the judiciary’s verdict before she can reclaim her seat in the upper chamber.
