Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Begins New Chapter as Senate Lifts Suspension
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has officially returned to the Red Chamber following months in political exile. Her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing was unsealed on Tuesday morning by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, assisted by security operatives, ending a protracted standoff that began in early March.
PulseNets obtained video footage where Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, removed the red seal and announced:
“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal this office. The office is now open. Thank you.”
The office had been locked since March 6, 2025, when Natasha was suspended. Her supporters, who accompanied her to the National Assembly, told PulseNets that the reopening symbolized not just her victory but a statement about resilience and political survival.
PulseNets reported earlier that Natasha’s suspension was triggered by heated disagreements over Senate sitting arrangements, which had cast a shadow over her fast-rising profile as one of the 10th Assembly’s most vocal lawmakers. The Kogi Senator had also levelled sexual harassment accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a move that unsettled the establishment.
Known for her fearless contributions on governance, equity, and women’s leadership, Natasha has consistently challenged entrenched norms. Critics argue that her combative style occasionally disrupted legislative decorum, while allies insist that the lifting of her suspension signals a broader reckoning within the chamber.
Political observers including former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili, activist Aisha Yesufu, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar told PulseNets that silencing Natasha for too long risked deepening gender and regional fault lines in an already fragile Senate.
Natasha Speaks Out: “No Apology To Tender”
In her first remarks after resumption, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan struck a defiant tone:
“Looking back, it’s unbelievable what we endured in these six months, from unjust suspension to recall attempts and relentless blackmail, yet we survived. To God Almighty be the glory, and to the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians, my deepest thanks. To my husband, I love you deeply, and I pray men everywhere support their wives as you have supported me. No apologies to anyone.”
She added:
“Sometimes it’s important to push institutions to their limits. We cannot bow to injustice. Senator Akpabio is not superior to me or anyone here. He treated me like domestic staff in his house, and that’s unacceptable. It’s unfortunate that a National Assembly can be run by such a dictator.”
Analysts Warn of Bumpy Road Ahead
PulseNets learnt that while Natasha’s return has been celebrated by reform-minded Nigerians, her uncompromising approach may again clash with Senate leadership. Analysts caution that unless she recalibrates her strategy, further confrontations could threaten her legislative agenda.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised the unsealing of her office on X, calling it a victory against intimidation:
“Though Kogi Central cannot recover the legislative time lost, this moment shows that when Nigerians unite, tyranny can be defeated.”
Atiku linked Natasha’s suspension to what he described as a broader pattern under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing similar moves against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers. He vowed to defend democracy using every lawful means:
“Let it be clear: on our part, we shall do everything legitimate and within the bounds of the law to protect our democracy, defend the sovereignty of the people’s mandate, and rescue our nation from the grip of authoritarianism.”
Activist Aisha Yesufu reacted by accusing the Senate of being manipulated. She posted on X:
“The Senate allowed itself to be used. Hopefully, they regain their independence.”
Legal expert Olu Omotayo, President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), spoke to PulseNets, describing Natasha’s reinstatement as the right step:
“Denying a whole constituency its representation contradicts the spirit of democracy. While disciplinary action is permissible, punishing an entire zone by locking out their senator is unconstitutional. Now that her office is reopened, she should also abide by Senate rules. No organization can function without them.”
Public Affairs Analyst Advises Caution
Public affairs analyst and communication scholar Dr. Nduka Odo from Peaceland University warned that Natasha’s confrontations with Akpabio could intensify political risks. He told PulseNets:
Also Read: PDP Demands Immediate Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Condemns Akpabio’
“Nigerians know the suspension was politically driven. The harder Akpabio tries to silence her, the more public sympathy she garners. In stronger democracies, such allegations of sexual harassment would have prompted a resignation or suspension pending investigation. Natasha must remain disciplined, steer clear of corrupt practices, and play a smarter game. Her colleagues will look for ways to discredit her and could even undermine her re-election in 2027.”
Natasha’s bold return underscores the fragile balance between reformist zeal and entrenched political structures. As she resumes her seat, the spotlight remains on her next moves, the Senate’s independence, and the broader state of Nigeria’s democracy.
