There was tension at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, as security personnel barred suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the legislative complex.
The incident unfolded after Senator Natasha, whose six-month suspension by the Senate had been declared excessive and unconstitutional by a recent Federal High Court judgment, arrived at the gate to resume her legislative duties.
Despite citing the court’s decision as grounds to return, security officials at the main entrance denied her access.
Senator Natasha was seated in a black vehicle, while the car in front carried activist Aisha Yesufu. After repeated denials and a standoff, Senator Natasha opted to exit her vehicle and, along with supporters and civil society activists, attempted to proceed towards the second gate on foot.
Tensions escalated as supporters chanted slogans, and some tried to push past the security barricade.
Eyewitness accounts noted the presence of heavy security, including police and other agencies, at various entrances to the National Assembly complex, all aimed at preventing her access.
The standoff drew significant attention, with chants of solidarity and accusations that the Senate was undermining the judiciary by refusing to respect the court’s judgment.
Senator Natasha’s legal team and supporters argued that the court ruling should have compelled her reinstatement, while Senate officials maintained there was no “positive or mandatory order” requiring them to lift her suspension before its official expiry.
The Senate’s position has been that the judgment was a recommendation rather than a binding directive.
The development has attracted widespread reactions, with many urging the Senate to obey court orders and uphold democratic norms.
As of the time of reporting, the senator and her supporters continued to stage their protest outside the gates, while proceedings inside the National Assembly remained unaffected.
