Senate Insists Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Stands Despite Bid to Resume

The Senate has turned down Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to return to plenary, stressing that her six-month suspension remains in force until her appeal is determined.

In an official correspondence obtained by PulseNets and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification where she indicated plans to resume legislative activities on September 4, 2025, claiming her suspension period had elapsed.

But the upper chamber maintained that her sanction, which commenced on March 6, 2025, could not be lifted while the matter is still pending before the appellate court.

According to the letter, “this issue is already sub judice and until the judicial process is fully exhausted, no administrative step can be taken to clear the way for your resumption.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended in March 2025 over what the leadership described as breaches of Senate standing orders. PulseNets recalls that the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier upheld the suspension, a decision she subsequently challenged before the Court of Appeal.

Speaking to PulseNets, a senior parliamentary source noted that the Senate would only revisit her case after the appellate court hands down its judgment. The source emphasised, “the position of the institution is clear: no ruling from the Court of Appeal, no review of the suspension.”

Also Read:Ezekwesili Replies Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: ‘Our Daughters Must Never Inherit Battles We Should’ve Fought’

The development underscores the lingering political and legal tussle around Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose supporters argue that the prolonged suspension undermines representation for Kogi Central. PulseNets reports that this standoff has once again put a spotlight on the balance of power between legislative authority and judicial oversight in Nigeria’s democracy.