Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is set to return to Senate plenary sessions today after serving a six-month suspension.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed that she has completed her sanction and is constitutionally entitled to resume her legislative duties. Giwa warned Senate leadership against any attempt to block her re-entry, noting that doing so would contradict the chamber’s own resolution and could create disorder within the National Assembly.
He said, “She has served out the six months, so any ongoing court proceedings only address whether the March action was valid. They do not affect her right to resume. Denying her re-entry would go against the Senate’s resolution and risk creating chaos.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously referred to Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a “dictator” after her office was unsealed two weeks ago. She reiterated that she has “no apology to tender,” despite the challenges faced during her suspension.
Her office had been locked since March 6, 2025, following her suspension over alleged misconduct connected to a protest against the reassignment of her Senate seat. Although her suspension ended in September, legal disputes and resistance from Senate leadership delayed her return.
As the National Assembly reconvenes today after an extended recess, all eyes are on whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be allowed to resume plenary sessions without obstruction.