ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has delayed her anticipated return to the Senate despite a recent Federal High Court ruling overturning her six-month suspension. The delay comes amid legal ambiguities, unfulfilled court conditions, and heightened tensions within the National Assembly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had earlier promised to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, failed to appear at the Senate chamber, sparking fresh speculations over her standoff with the Senate leadership. Her absence followed widespread anticipation fueled by a viral video where she thanked supporters and declared her intent to resume her seat.
However, the embattled senator has yet to comply with a critical part of the court’s ruling — the issuance of a public apology for contempt of court. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Friday ruled her suspension unconstitutional and excessive, ordering her immediate reinstatement. But the judge also imposed a ₦5 million fine on her for violating a gag order via a satirical Facebook post and directed that she publish a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days.
As of Tuesday evening, no such apology had appeared in any publication or on her social media, casting doubt on the feasibility of her reinstatement without full compliance. This apparent breach may have influenced her decision to stay away from the chamber, despite earlier bravado.
Meanwhile, security was significantly heightened at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday morning. Though security personnel downplayed any connection to the suspended senator, vehicular searches were intensified, and many visitors were questioned about their destination.
Insiders suggest that the Senate leadership may have informally warned Akpoti-Uduaghan against showing up, pending the release and review of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment. A letter allegedly from the Senate’s legal counsel, Paul Daudu, circulated online, claiming the court’s ruling did not automatically lift her suspension. The letter also reportedly urged her legal counsel, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), to advise restraint.
However, Daudu has publicly denied authoring the letter. In a Facebook post, he disowned the document, describing it as fake and unauthorized. He affirmed his respect for Okutepa, calling him a father figure and mentor, and cautioned the public against spreading misinformation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initial suspension in March followed a stormy Senate session in which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The Senate leadership deemed her actions unruly and suspended her for six months, a move that drew condemnation from civil society and legal advocates who viewed it as a violation of her constituents’ right to representation.
Her lawsuit against the Senate resulted in Friday’s ruling, which also exposed gaps in the existing Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act. The act currently lacks specific provisions for the duration of suspensions or procedures for disciplining lawmakers.
In response, Senator Shehu Kaka, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, has introduced a bill to amend the act. Titled Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 708), the proposal aims to codify timelines, sanctions, and procedures to ensure consistency in legislative discipline.
Speaking to journalists, Kaka said, “The amendments we are proposing will provide the needed clarity and legal backing for actions like suspension, which currently lack explicit duration limits or procedural guidelines.”
The bill passed first reading on Monday and is expected to proceed to second reading on Wednesday. Simultaneously, Senate insiders revealed that the CTC of the court ruling is expected to be released the same day, which could play a crucial role in determining Natasha’s return timeline.
Until then, the senator’s reinstatement remains uncertain, with legal, political, and procedural hurdles still standing in the way.
