Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, intends to return to the Nigerian Senate on July 22, 2025, following a court ruling that invalidated her suspension from the upper chamber earlier this year. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has appealed the court’s decision, but the senator remains undeterred.
During an engagement with constituents over the weekend, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she has formally notified the Senate of her resumption plans. “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said. “I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”
Her suspension, which began in March based on allegations of misconduct, was legally contested by her team. The court ruled in her favor, declaring the suspension illegal. Yet the Senate leadership’s appeal aims to overturn this verdict.
Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the impact of the suspension on her legislative duties, acknowledging that while project delivery continued, the inability to sponsor legislation and move motions hindered her full participation in Senate functions. She emphasized her ongoing commitment to representing her constituency and ensuring their needs are reflected in national policy.
This development is bound to deepen tensions in the Senate as Akpoti-Uduaghan stakes her claim to her rightful seat and responsibilities.