ABUJA, September 23, 2025 – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has officially returned to the National Assembly after her office in the Senate Wing was unsealed on Tuesday, ending months of political standoff. Her office, Suite 2.05, had been under lock and key since March 6, 2025, following a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate.
The suspension was linked to her protest over the reassignment of her Senate seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on February 20. Following the disciplinary action, Akpoti-Uduaghan was barred from Senate activities, denied access to her office, and stripped of legislative privileges.
In July, a Federal High Court in Abuja described the suspension as unconstitutional and excessive, ruling that the senator be recalled immediately. Despite this judicial pronouncement, she was unable to resume duties until now due to prolonged resistance from the Senate leadership.
Speaking after her return, Senator Natasha declared that she had “no apology to tender,” stressing that her suspension was unjust and politically motivated. She expressed gratitude to her constituents in Kogi Central, her supporters across Nigeria, and her husband for standing by her during the ordeal.
Her homecoming was marked by celebrations as a jubilant crowd accompanied her to the National Assembly. Videos circulating on social media showed supporters marching and chanting in solidarity, underscoring the strong grassroots backing she continues to enjoy. The unsealing of her office was supervised by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
Although the Senate has restored her access to office space, questions remain on whether her full privileges as a senator—including the right to contribute to debates and enjoy legislative entitlements—have been reinstated. Analysts note that the resumption of plenary on October 7, 2025, will be a critical test of her full reintegration.
Senator Natasha’s return to the Red Chamber not only restores representation for Kogi Central but also reignites conversations on legislative independence, internal discipline, and the balance of power between the Senate leadership and individual lawmakers. GMTNewsng
