The National Assembly Management has turned down Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bid to return to the Senate, insisting that her six-month suspension is still in effect and subject to judicial review.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had written to the Parliament notifying her intention to resume legislative duties on September 4, 2025—the date she claimed marked the end of her suspension.
However, in a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, and dated September 4, 2025, the legislature maintained that her suspension remains valid until the Court of Appeal rules on the matter.
The letter explained that the suspension, handed down by the Senate on March 6, 2025, followed allegations of misconduct stemming from a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements during plenary.
While Akpoti-Uduaghan had challenged the suspension in court, the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the Senate’s action. Dissatisfied, she proceeded to the Court of Appeal, where the case is still pending.
“The matter remains sub judice,” the National Assembly noted, stressing that no administrative step can be taken until the appellate court delivers its verdict and the Senate reviews the suspension in line with the judgment.
This development means that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will have to await the outcome of the legal process before returning to the Red Chamber.
