Senate Bars Natasha’s Return Pending Appeal Court Verdict

The Senate has ruled out Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate return to the chamber, even though her six-month suspension officially lapsed on September 4. In a letter signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged receiving her notification to resume but insisted that her matter remains unresolved.

According to the letter, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is still before the Court of Appeal, and until judgment is delivered, the suspension cannot be reviewed. The Senate maintained that no administrative action would be taken until the judicial process is concluded.

The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, after a heated clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. A Federal High Court earlier upheld her suspension, prompting her to challenge the ruling at the appellate court.

The Senate stressed that Akpoti-Uduaghan will only be informed of her reinstatement once the judiciary issues a final decision.