The National Assembly has formally rejected the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s plan to resume legislative duties.
The assembly stated that her six-month suspension remains in force. This is pending the outcome of a Court of Appeal case instituted against the Senate by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a letter issued by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, dated September 4, 2025, the Senate acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intended return on September 4, the date she claimed marked the end of her suspension.
However, the Senate clarified that her suspension took effect on March 6, 2025. It also emphasised that the matter is still subjudice.
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The Senate insisted that no administrative action can be taken until the Court of Appeal delivers a verdict.
The letter stated that the Senate would only review her suspension after the court’s pronouncement.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded. No administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read in parts.
According to her attorney, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stated she will revisit the National Assembly later this month, once her six-month suspension has expired.
Victor Giwa, her attorney, said that although the senator was on holiday in London, she had previously planned to return to plenary with her fellow senators when the Senate meets again on September 23.
A Senate resolution in March 2025 resulted in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
On March 6, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on charges of insubordination after she refused to move from her assigned seat during plenary.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended the suspension, which also cost her salary, office privileges, and aides.
The member has often maintained that her trauma was related to her petition. The Senate rejected, charging Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
She eventually filed a legal appeal to her suspension, winning a decision that, according to her, supported her recall.
