Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, officially resumed plenary on October 7, 2025, following her six-month suspension by the Nigerian Senate.
Her suspension, which began in March 2025, stemmed from alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat on February 20.
The conflict involved Senate President Godswill Akpabio and led to heated exchanges and eventual disciplinary action.
Despite her suspension ending in September, legal disputes delayed her full return to Senate activities. Her office had remained sealed until September 23, when the National Assembly’s Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms unsealed it, allowing her to resume work there.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as “illegal” and vowed not to apologize, asserting her commitment to serving her constituents regardless of the Senate’s actions.
Her return to plenary was welcomed by loyal supporters and civil rights activists, although several supporters were reportedly denied access to the Senate gallery during her official re-entry. The session was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Senator Natasha’s ordeal had sparked national debate, drawing condemnation from civil society organizations and opposition politicians who criticized the Senate’s decision. However, the Senate maintained that the suspension was justified based on the violation of its rules.
Since resuming, the senator has continued to voice concerns about authoritarian tendencies within the Senate leadership and remains a vocal advocate for her constituents in Kogi Central. Her return marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative politics, encapsulating issues of power dynamics and democratic rights within the National Assembly.
