The National Assembly has barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties, declaring that her six-month suspension will not lapse until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on her pending case.
The development has reignited political tension in Kogi, sharpened scrutiny of Senate leadership, and intensified debate over the boundaries of parliamentary discipline in Nigeria politics.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had formally notified the Senate of her intention to return on September 4, which she considered the expiration of her suspension. But in a letter dated the same day, signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, the parliament insisted her suspension only began on March 6, 2025, and therefore remains valid.
“The matter, therefore, remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the correspondence read.
The Senate further assured her that she would be duly informed of any change in status once the court ruling is delivered.
The suspension stemmed from a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary over seating arrangements, leading to disciplinary action supported by a Senate vote in March. While the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the suspension, the senator escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal, where judgment is still pending.
Until that pronouncement, the National Assembly has made clear that Akpoti-Uduaghan will not return to the Red Chamber, effectively extending the suspension beyond the six months initially stipulated.
