Senate Insists Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Still Valid Pending Court Ruling

The National Assembly has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to return to legislative duties, insisting that her six-month suspension is still in effect pending a Court of Appeal ruling.

In a letter dated September 4, 2025, Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, confirmed receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notice of resumption but clarified that her suspension began on March 6, 2025, and remains unresolved in court.

The Senate stressed that no administrative step can be taken until the appeal is decided, after which her suspension will be reviewed.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, currently on vacation in London, has maintained through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, that she intends to return when plenary resumes on September 23, claiming her suspension has lapsed.

The senator was suspended on March 6 over alleged insubordination after she resisted a change to her designated seat in plenary. The resolution, based on the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions’ recommendation, also stripped her of aides, office access, and salaries.

She has consistently argued that her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment — a charge the Senate dismissed. A court judgment she cited as favorable to her reinstatement has not been recognized by Senate leadership, which insists she remains suspended until the penalty runs its course.

Her earlier attempt to return in July led to a standoff, as security officials blocked her entry despite a large group of supporters at the Assembly gates.