Senator Natasha Set to Return to Senate After Six-Month Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is expected to return to the National Assembly when plenary resumes on September 23, following the expiration of her six-month suspension.

Her lawyer, Victor Giwa confirmed the development in Abuja, disclosing that the senator, currently on vacation in London, had already made arrangements to resume legislative duties alongside her colleagues.

“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said, adding that the Senate leadership was “ready to welcome her back” and that no obstacles were anticipated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after she reportedly resisted an order to change her designated seat during plenary. Acting on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the Senate not only suspended her but also stripped her of aides, salaries, and office privileges.

The lawmaker, however, insisted her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to her earlier petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment — an allegation the Senate dismissed.

She later secured a court judgment which, according to her, favoured her recall, though Senate leaders maintained that the suspension would run its full course. Her attempt to return to the chamber in July ended in a confrontation as security operatives barred her entry, despite being accompanied by a crowd of supporters.

With her suspension now expired, Giwa expressed optimism that pending court cases would not delay her resumption.

"Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” he said.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Senate leadership proved unsuccessful, as messages and calls to Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu and Akpabio’s media aide went unanswered.