The National Assembly has stated that the Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is not permitted to resume her duties at this time, even though she has completed her six-month suspension.
In a letter from the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, dated September 4, 2025, the Senate acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification regarding her planned return on September 4, which she asserted was the conclusion of her suspension.
The upper chamber indicated that her six-month suspension is still in effect pending the resolution of a Court of Appeal case that Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed against the Senate.
It emphasized that no administrative measures can be enacted until the Court of Appeal issues a ruling, contending that her suspension commenced on March 6, 2025, and the issue remains sub judice.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated in part.
According to the correspondence, the Senate will only reconsider her suspension following the court’s decision.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” Danzaria reiterated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 due to allegations of insubordination after she refused to accept a change in her assigned seat during a plenary session.
The suspension, which was based on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, also resulted in the removal of her aides, office privileges, and salary.
The lawmaker has consistently maintained that her predicament is connected to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that the Senate has dismissed.
She subsequently contested her suspension in court, obtaining a judgment that she claims supports her reinstatement.
Her effort to re-enter the National Assembly in July resulted in a standoff, as security personnel prevented her entry despite a gathering of supporters outside.
