Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The National Assembly (NASS) has insisted that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central cannot resume legislative duties despite the expiration of her six-month suspension from the Senate.

In a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, and obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, NASS said her suspension remains in force because the matter is still before the Court of Appeal.

“Your suspension was with effect from Thursday 6 March 2025. The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal. The matter therefore remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read.

Grounds for Suspension

On 6 March 2025, the Senate suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan following the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions. She was accused of defying the Senate’s sitting arrangement and engaging in alleged misconduct during plenary on 20 February.

Her suspension also included the withdrawal of her security aides, closure of her Senate office, suspension of her salary and allowances, and a ban from the National Assembly premises.

The Senate had offered an early recall if she tendered a written apology, but she instead went to court to challenge the decision.

Court Intervention and Appeal

In July 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ruled that suspending an elected lawmaker for six months undermines constituents’ right to representation. However, the court did not order her reinstatement, instead advising the Senate to reconsider.

The same court also found her guilty of civil contempt over a satirical social media post deemed disrespectful, fining her ₦5 million and ordering a public apology.

Dissatisfied, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, filed a cross-appeal on 11 July, further prolonging the dispute.

Next Steps