NASS Bars Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Resuming, Cites Pending Appeal Case

The National Assembly has stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from resuming her legislative duties, despite her claim that her six-month suspension had lapsed.

On September 4, 2025, the senator wrote to the Assembly leadership, notifying them of her intention to return.

However, in a response signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, she was informed that her suspension remains in effect and is linked to an ongoing case at the Court of Appeal.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended on March 6, 2025, following a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements during plenary, had earlier challenged the decision in court.

While the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the Senate, she proceeded to the Court of Appeal for redress.

According to the Assembly, no administrative steps can be taken until the appellate court delivers its judgment.

The letter to the senator stated:

“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.
You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”

The Assembly stressed that her suspension will only be reviewed after the judicial process is fully concluded.