Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly on Tuesday, accompanied by a crowd of supporters and under the watch of heightened security.
As early as 8 a.m., stern-looking operatives were stationed at the complex’s entrance, thoroughly searching vehicles and limiting visitor access. At least five police patrol vans were positioned strategically outside the gate, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the senator’s attempt to resume legislative duties.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March. Over the weekend, she announced plans to return, citing a recent court ruling which she claims supports her reinstatement.
“I have already notified the Senate of my intention to return,” she told reporters during a constituency training event. “The court gave a decision. Whether you call it an order or not, it is still a valid decision.”
The senator stressed that while the suspension didn’t hinder her from carrying out constituency projects, it prevented her from performing core legislative duties like sponsoring bills and participating in debates.
Her lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, insisted that the court ruling validates her right to resume.
“Attendance at plenary is a legislative function. The judgment made it clear that a suspension of 180 days is excessive. Natasha remains a senator. Let’s see how the Senate reacts to her return,” he said.
Despite this, Senate leadership maintains its stance. On Sunday, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu reaffirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains in force, and the Senate has yet to receive any binding court order compelling her recall.
He explained that Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling merely advised the Senate to review its suspension rules and described the six-month sanction as excessive — but did not issue a mandatory recall directive.
Adaramodu also noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt for a Facebook post targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and ordered to pay a N5 million fine and issue public apologies — penalties the Senate claims remain unmet.
Meanwhile, prominent activist Aisha Yesufu pledged solidarity with the senator, announcing she would accompany her to the chambers. Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Yesufu slammed the Senate’s actions as unconstitutional and accused the body of disregarding the judiciary.
As tensions mount, all eyes remain on how the Senate leadership will respond to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return — and whether Tuesday’s events will escalate into a broader institutional showdown between legislative authority and judicial interpretation.
