This week, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, resumed office after serving a six-month suspension.
What should have been a quiet return, however, erupted in controversy as her supporters and constituents, who had gathered at the National Assembly gate to welcome her back, were denied entry and tear-gassed by security operatives.
Speaking after resumption, Senator Natasha (PDP, Kogi central) criticised the lack of formal communication from the senate leadership regarding the reopening of her office.
“I have not been officially communicated. The last communication I received from the National Assembly was that I will not be allowed access; I will not be allowed to resume because the matter was still pending at the Appeal court,” she said.
Speaking further, she also dismissed reports that her reinstatement was conditional on issuing an apology.
“If they are expecting me to apologise, I’m sorry, I don’t have those words. And if that is the condition for opening this office, then I think we have a long dance to make. I’m actually worried as to what apology they expect from me. You can’t apologise for an injustice, and may I remind the good people of Nigeria that the document that led to my illegal suspension, was actually written by the office of the Senate President.
“So this is just one illegality upon the other and I think in Nigeria, we should reject such things. I think it’s actually appalling that such an amount of illegality and fraud happens in the National Assembly” she added.
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The Natasha – Senate Saga
The suspension, which began in March 2025, stemmed from an alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on February 20.
Refusing to back down under pressure from the leadership, Senator Natasha approached the Federal High Court for redress.
Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the Senate had acted beyond its powers by suspending her for six months, describing the action as unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of the rights of her constituents. The court thereby ordered her reinstatement.
The Senate, however, challenged the ruling. Senate President Godswill Akpabio appealed the judgment, with the Senate’s legal counsel arguing that the decision was merely “declaratory” and did not mandate immediate reinstatement.
On July 22, 2025, Natasha attempted to resume her duties but was physically denied entry into the National Assembly complex by security operatives, sparking further outrage.
The protracted face-off has drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups, opposition figures, and constituents who view the suspension as politically motivated.
It is also noteworthy that Senator Natasha has been stripped of her committee leadership positions and is now resuming as a floor member.
