By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Senate has announced its decision to block Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s anticipated return to the Red Chamber.
The Senate cited ongoing legal and procedural hurdles as the reason for the decision despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan, of the Peoples Democratic Partrty (PDP) representing Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State at the Senate and one of only four female senators in the 109-member body, was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a heated altercation over a seat reassignment during plenary sessions.
Meanwhile, the suspension expired on September 6, 2025, and Akpoti-Uduaghan proceeded to has announce her intention to resume legislative duties on September 21, 2025, when the Senate reconvenes.
Hwever, in a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate, while acknowledging Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intention to return to the chamber, maintained that the suspension was not over.
The statement explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return is prevented by an ongoing lawsuit.
The letter read in part: “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.”
It further assured that the embattled lawmaker would be duly notified of the Senate’s final decision once the court delivers its ruling.
The New Diplomat reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension began on March 6, 2025, following a dramatic confrontation with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio during Senate proceedings.
The incident stemmed from a dispute over seat allocation.
Natasha had refused to relocate from her designated position, accusing the President of the Senate of alleged discriminatory practices aimed at silencing her voice.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions subsequently deemed her actions as “insubordination” and “unruly conduct,” recommending a penalty, which included suspension, withdrawal of her aides, office access, salary, and security detail.
The suspension quickly escalated into a huge controversy when Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that her suspension had to do with an earlier allegation she had made against Akpabio for alleged sexual harassment—a claim the Senate dismissed as unsubstantiated.
