Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Returns to Senate After Six-Month Suspension, Reigniting Debate Over Legislative Power and Dissent

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, officially returned to the Nigerian Senate today after the expiration of her six-month suspension. Her comeback coincided with the Senate’s reconvening following a 10-week annual recess.

The lawmaker arrived at the Red Chamber around 11:42 a.m., taking her seat amid greetings from several colleagues. She was accompanied by a small group of loyalists and civil rights activists, including prominent campaigner Aisha Yesufu, who observed proceedings from the public gallery.

The senator’s return marks the end of one of the most controversial disciplinary actions in the 10th National Assembly.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct following her protest against the reassignment of her committee position by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The move sparked nationwide criticism and fueled accusations of political persecution.

Critics including civil society organizations, legal experts, and opposition figures—condemned the suspension as unconstitutional and an attempt to silence dissent. During the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate office in Suite 2.05 was sealed, her security withdrawn, and her salary halted.

Although the six-month term officially expired in September 2025, her reinstatement was delayed. Senate leadership argued that her case remained sub judice, pending a Court of Appeal decision. However, a Federal High Court had earlier ruled that the Senate’s action violated constitutional provisions and exceeded its disciplinary powers.

A major breakthrough occurred on September 23 when the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, unsealed her office, signaling her imminent reinstatement.

Since her return, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her defiant tone, refusing to apologize to Senate leadership. She previously accused Senate President Akpabio of “dictatorial leadership” and vowed to continue speaking out against what she described as institutional intimidation.

“I owe no apology to anyone. If reopening my office was done with the expectation of an apology, then the battle has just begun,” she said. “Even though we had been illegally suspended, I have never hesitated in carrying out my duties to the people of Kogi Central.”

Her reinstatement is widely seen as a victory for democratic accountability and a test case for legislative checks and balances in Nigeria’s democracy

Today’s plenary session was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin in the absence of Senate President Akpabio. The resumption was also notable for a symbolic show of solidarity with Palestine, as several senators wore Palestinian colors to advocate for a free Palestine.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return closes a turbulent chapter in her political journey but reopens the broader debate about internal democracy, power, and freedom of expression within Nigeria’s legislative system.