Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has formally resumed her duties at the National Assembly following the unsealing of her office after a six-month suspension.
Accompanied by supporters, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Assembly complex on Tuesday, September 23, just hours after the Sergeant-at-Arms unlocked her office at Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing.
The senator expressed surprise that her office had been opened without formal communication, stating, “As at this moment, I have not been officially communicated to. I expect an institution like the National Assembly to follow administrative procedures, with written communication.”
Despite this, she intends to spend time in her office, marking her first return since the suspension was imposed in March 2025 for alleged breaches of Senate standing rules.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had sparked controversy, with the Federal High Court in Abuja later declaring it “excessive and unconstitutional” and urging the Senate to consider her reinstatement. Her return to the Senate appears imminent, with lawmakers set to reconvene on October 7, 2025.
The Senate leadership reportedly agreed to allow her return during a closed-door meeting, with Minority Leader Abba Moro expected to table a motion requiring Akpoti-Uduaghan to offer a public apology before reinstatement.
