National Assembly Says Akpoti-Uduaghan Can’t Resume Now, Gives Reasons

By Ayodele Oni

The National Assembly has dashed the hope of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume Legislative duties after expiration of her six months suspension.

The Kogi Central Senator had formally notified the Assembly that her suspension period had lapsed and expressed readiness to resume her legislative duties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 over alleged misconduct following a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

The dispute reportedly stemmed from disagreements over seating arrangements in the Red Chamber.

Following her suspension, the lawmaker challenged the Senate’s decision at the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ruled in favour of the Senate. Dissatisfied, she proceeded to the appellate court to seek redress.

In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the parliament acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intention to return to the chamber on the same date, which she claimed marked the end of her suspension.

However, the management clarified that her suspension formally took effect from March 6, 2025, stressing that the case remains sub judice and therefore prevents her reinstatement at this time.

Though the legislature is currently on recess, the Clerk to the National Assembly replied to her letter, stating that the suspension, which began on March 6, 2025 remains tied up in ongoing court proceedings.

According to the letter, the Assembly insists that no action can be taken until the judiciary concludes the matter and the Senate  considers the court’s ruling.

The letter, signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly Yahaya Danzaria, stated:

“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal.

“The matter therefore remains subjudice and until the judicial process is completed, and the senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption

“You will be duly notified of the senates’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved”

This is not the first time the Natasha has faced hurdles in resuming. On July 12, she attempted to return following a Federal High Court judgment directing the Senate to revisit her suspension, but she was barred from entry.

Both Senator Natasha and the National Assembly have appealed aspects of that judgment, which now await a decision at the Court of Appeal.