The Senate has informed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, that she cannot resume her duties despite the expiration of her six-month suspension, citing an ongoing judicial process.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, the Senate acknowledged receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notice to return, but said her case is still pending at the Court of Appeal.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after she refused to accept a reassignment of her designated seat during plenary.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions recommended her suspension on grounds of insubordination.
In addition to the suspension, she was stripped of her office privileges, salaries and legislative aides.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that her suspension was politically motivated, stemming from her accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an allegation the Senate leadership strongly denied.
She later took the matter to court, where she claimed to have obtained a favourable judgment ordering her reinstatement.
However, the Senate insists that her legal challenge is still active, and that it will only act after the Court of Appeal delivers its verdict.
In July, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to return to the National Assembly complex, but was prevented from entering by security operatives, despite being accompanied by a crowd of supporters.
