Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan formally resumed her duties at the National Assembly today, following the expiration and court nullification of her six-month suspension.
Lens News gathered that her office, previously sealed during the suspension period, was unsealed earlier under the supervision of the Office of the Serjeant-at-Arms and security operatives, clearing the way for her return. She walked into the Senate complex with supporters, though she encountered resistance at the second entrance (Nupo Gate) where security personnel initially attempted to block her entry.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that her suspension was politically motivated. She insisted she would not apologize for her past remarks or actions toward Senate leadership. The suspension had stemmed from allegations of misconduct including refusal to sit in her assigned seat, speaking without recognition, and making remarks against Senate leadership all cited under Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders.
In March 2025, the Senate ethics committee recommended her suspension. However, a Federal High Court later ruled that the suspension was excessive, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
As of now, the Senate leadership has not issued a formal statement on whether she will immediately resume full plenary duties, though her presence on the floor today suggests she intends to reclaim her legislative role.
Her return highlights tensions between individual lawmakers’ rights and institutional rules, as well as the broader struggle over accountability and discipline within Nigeria’s legislature.
