Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Resumes at Senate Today After Six-Month Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is set to officially resume plenary duties at the National Assembly today (Tuesday), following the completion of her six-month suspension from the Senate.

Her legal representative, Victor Giwa, confirmed the development in an interview with The PUNCH, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan has fully served her suspension and is constitutionally entitled to return to the chamber.

Senate Resumption and Legal Warning

The Senate had earlier postponed its resumption from September 23 to October 7, 2025, extending its annual recess by two weeks. The delay also affected deliberations on several key national issues awaiting legislative input.

Giwa warned that any attempt to block the senator’s return would be unlawful and could “plunge the legislature into total chaos.”

“Our client should just go straight and resume on Tuesday. Anything else is just an opinion,” he stated.

“The Senate cannot become an institution that legalises illegality. It is a creation of law, and its actions must be guided by law, not by the whims of its leadership.”

He argued that further obstruction of her resumption would contradict the Senate’s own resolution and undermine its institutional integrity.

Background: Suspension and Controversy

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat during plenary.

The suspension barred her from all Senate activities for six months on allegations of misconduct. Her office — located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing — was subsequently sealed by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Two weeks ago, the office was unsealed by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, signaling her readiness to return to official duties.

‘I Have No Apology to Tender’ — Natasha Speaks

Speaking after her recall, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained a firm stance, describing her ordeal as unjust and accusing the Senate leadership of authoritarian behavior.

“We can’t cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am,” she said.

“He treated me like a servant in his house. It’s unfortunate that we have a National Assembly being run by such a dictator.”

The senator added that she has “no apology to tender” for standing her ground and insisted her suspension was politically motivated.

Awaiting Senate’s Next Move

Efforts to reach Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu and Senate President Akpabio’s media aide for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

With the National Assembly now reconvening after its long recess, public attention is focused on whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be allowed to resume plenary without interference — or if fresh confrontation awaits in the red chamber.