Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s battle to return to the Senate takes another turn.
The Nigerian Senate has barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming office. The Senate refused her request to resume duties after what she insists was the end of her six-month suspension. However, the National Assembly maintains that her suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of a case at the Court of Appeal.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended in March following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate’s Ethics Committee cited charges of misconduct such as refusing to sit in her assigned seat, speaking out of turn, and making abusive comments. As a result, she lost key privileges, including her salary, office access, and security. Notably, the suspension arose amid her own sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Akpabio, which were dismissed on procedural grounds. The Senate’s decision to maintain her suspension has left Kogi Central without representation for over six months.
In a letter signed by the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification to return on 4 September 2025 is acknowledged. This date should mark the end of her suspension. However, the Assembly clarified that the suspension took effect on 6 March 2025, and cannot be lifted until the court delivers its judgment.
The statement emphasised that the matter is sub judice, meaning no administrative action can be taken for her resumption at this stage. According to the letter, the Senate will only revisit her suspension once the judiciary committee makes a final pronouncement.
Read also: The Natasha-Akpabio case: How power dynamics silence sexual harassment case
Awaiting the Federal High Court ruling
In July, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Senate’s indefinite suspension was unconstitutional and ordered Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement. However, enforcement proved elusive. She was fined ₦5 million for contempt and barred from the National Assembly premises after being accused of violating a gag order.
Both the senator and the Senate leadership have since lodged appeals. In her appeal, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is fighting to overturn the suspension entirely. On the other hand, the Senate seeks to reassert its authority to discipline members without judicial interference.
The refusal to allow her return prolongs the timeframe, which leaves Kogi Central without representation, raising questions of the state’s constitutional rights. Until the Court of Appeal delivers its ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s senate seat remains in limbo. The National Assembly has plainly stated that it will review her status only after the court’s final decision.
Beyond one woman’s battle
The refusal to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to office raises grave concerns for women in politics. It shows how those in power silence women who speak out. Moreover, it highlights the barriers that female leaders still face in male-dominated spaces.
In addition, the delay in reinstating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan leaves her constituents without a voice. As such, this sets a worrying precedent for other women in public life. Consequently, her case has become a symbol of the struggle for gender equality. It shows the urgent need to protect women who challenge flawed authority in Nigeria’s democracy.
Her fight is not just about a Senate seat, but about securing space, fairness and respect for all women in politics.
Read more: Constituents begin recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan
