CLT Urges Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Await Court Ruling Before Returning to Senate

The Centre for Leadership Training (CLT) has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to wait for the Court of Appeal’s decision on her case before resuming her seat in the Senate.

According to the group, Natasha’s suspension remains valid, and the Senate’s decision to hold off on her return until the court rules on the matter was the right approach.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, CLT President, Chief Azuka Francis, faulted Natasha’s plan to return before September 6, describing it as premature and contrary to the Senate’s resolution.

“First, Senator Natasha’s stated resumption date is erroneous. Her suspension, as resolved by the Senate, runs its full course until Saturday, September 6, 2025. It is therefore premature and inconsistent with the Senate’s resolution for her to attempt a return before the expiration of the subsisting sanction,” Francis said.

The Senate had earlier communicated its stance to Natasha in a letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria.

The letter stated:

“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal. The matter therefore remains sub judice, 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.”

Natasha had earlier notified the Clerk that she was ready to resume plenary, arguing that her six-month suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, had expired.

CLT maintained that since the matter is in court, due process must be respected.

“As a law-abiding institution founded on the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, and respect for judicial authority, the Senate cannot, and will not, act in a manner that prejudices the ongoing judicial process,” Francis added.

He stressed that stakeholders should exercise patience and allow the court to make its pronouncement.

“The Senate remains firmly committed to fairness, discipline, and the sanctity of its internal rules, while at the same time demonstrating absolute fidelity to the Nigerian Constitution and the authority of the courts. Until the judiciary has made its final pronouncement, all parties must exercise patience, respect due process, and uphold the integrity of democratic institutions,” he said.