Nigeria's Senate Rejects Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Attempt to Resume, Confirms Suspension Remains

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

The Nigerian Senate has firmly stated that suspended lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central cannot return to its proceedings yet, emphasizing that her suspension remains in effect. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu issued the clarification on Sunday, stressing that there is no valid court order requiring her immediate recall.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements, as well as her allegations of sexual misconduct, which Akpabio has denied.

Despite a recent ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, which the suspended senator referenced to support her claim to resume duties, the Senate insists the judgment did not contain any binding instructions to reinstate her before the end of her suspension.

Adaramodu called Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to act on an “imaginary” recall order legally unsound, pointing out that she had filed for an appeal and a stay of the court’s decision, making her actions premature.