Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Set to Return to Senate After Suspension Ends

The lawyer representing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has confirmed that the lawmaker will return to her legislative duties this September following the completion of her six-month suspension from the National Assembly.

Natasha’s suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, was one of the most contentious disciplinary measures in the 10th Senate. It stemmed from allegations of insubordination after she reportedly rejected a designated seat during plenary. The sanction, recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, did not only strip her of the right to attend plenary sessions but also deprived her of salaries, office privileges, and legislative aides.

Throughout her suspension, Natasha maintained that the real reason for her ordeal was her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation the Senate dismissed outright. She insisted that her stand against the leadership made her a target of political victimization.

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Natasha’s Suspension and Legal Battle

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan did not take the suspension lightly. Shortly after the decision, she challenged the Senate’s authority to suspend an elected lawmaker for such a lengthy period. She took the matter to court and secured a ruling she described as favorable, insisting that the judiciary had ordered her recall.

Despite the judgment, the Senate leadership refused to lift the suspension before the expiration date, insisting that the penalty must run its full course. Matters reached a boiling point in July when Natasha attempted to return to the National Assembly before the six-month period ended. That move sparked a dramatic standoff at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. Security operatives barred her entry, while supporters who accompanied her engaged in heated exchanges with officials.

Her exclusion, despite a court ruling, raised questions about the balance of power between the judiciary and the legislature, sparking wider debates on the independence of lawmakers and their protection from internal victimization.

Lawyer Confirms Smooth Resumption

Speaking with The Punch newspaper, Natasha’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, disclosed that the senator is currently on vacation in London but has already made preparations to resume her duties once the Senate reconvenes on September 23. He noted that her suspension officially expired on Saturday, September 7, 2025, clearing the way for her unchallenged return.

“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa explained.

He further revealed that the Senate leadership has given assurances that Natasha would be welcomed back without resistance. “We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all,” he stated.

According to Giwa, even the pending legal disputes that arose from Natasha’s challenge of her suspension will no longer obstruct her return. “Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” he added.

Political Implications of Natasha’s Return

The return of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to the upper chamber is likely to reignite debates on legislative discipline, gender politics, and the rights of elected representatives. Her case highlights the tensions that arise when a lawmaker openly challenges the Senate leadership.

Many of her supporters argue that her suspension was politically motivated, designed to silence a strong female voice in a male-dominated chamber. Critics, however, insist that the Senate had the authority to maintain order within its ranks and that Natasha should have complied with its rules, regardless of her disagreements with leadership.

Observers also believe her reinstatement will shape the dynamics of the Senate going forward. With her vocal stance on issues of governance, transparency, and women’s participation in politics, Natasha is expected to resume her role as one of the most outspoken members of the chamber.

As the Senate prepares to reconvene later this month, attention will be on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to plenary. Beyond the symbolic nature of her reinstatement, her presence will test the willingness of the Senate to accommodate dissenting voices within its ranks.

For Natasha herself, the past six months have been a test of resilience. From challenging the legality of her suspension in court to facing physical barriers at the National Assembly gates, she has consistently positioned herself as a fighter against what she perceives as injustice.

Now that her suspension has lapsed, the senator is poised to resume her duties with renewed determination. Whether her return will ease tensions or fuel further controversies remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that her comeback will be closely watched by both her supporters in Kogi Central and political observers nationwide.

Her reinstatement will not only mark the end of a suspension but also the beginning of a new chapter in her political career—one that could redefine her relationship with the Senate leadership and test the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.