Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is expected to return to plenary today (Tuesday) after completing her six-month suspension from the Senate.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed her planned resumption in an interview, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan had fully served her disciplinary term and should be allowed to resume her legislative duties without hindrance.
The National Assembly, which had initially been scheduled to reconvene on September 23, extended its annual recess to October 7, 2025, delaying several pending discussions on national issues.
According to Giwa, any move to prevent the senator’s return would violate the law and contradict the Senate’s own resolution. “Our client has served the six months in full and should resume on Tuesday. The Senate cannot act outside the law or at the discretion of individuals in leadership,” he said. He warned that denying her entry into the chamber could trigger what he described as “institutional disorder.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously regained access to her office, Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing, after it was reopened by the National Assembly’s Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji. Following her reinstatement, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of authoritarian conduct, referring to him as a “dictator.”
Her suspension, which began in March, stemmed from a heated confrontation on the Senate floor that led to disciplinary proceedings. Although the sanction officially lapsed in September, her return was delayed by internal disputes and ongoing legal processes.
Attempts to reach Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu and the media aide to the Senate President for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned.
With the Senate reconvening after its extended recess, attention is focused on whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be allowed to resume her seat without further obstruction or face renewed opposition from within the chamber.
