The National Assembly has responded to a legal request for the reinstatement of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that the recent Federal High Court judgement did not include a binding directive for her recall.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and obtained on Tuesday, the Assembly clarified that the July 4 judgement by Justice B.F.N. Nyako was merely advisory, urging the Senate to reconsider Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, but did not compel her reinstatement.
The letter, signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, was addressed to the senator’s lead counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN).
Referencing case FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. CNA & 3 Ors, the letter stated:
“From our summary of the judgement order, there is no order made on the 4th day of July, 2025 by Hon. Justice B.F.N. Nyako for the Senate, President of the Senate or National Assembly to comply with.
The declaratory judgement merely advised the defendants to exercise their power to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume representing the people who sent her to represent them.”
The National Assembly’s legal team emphasized that the ruling did not constitute an enforceable court order, and any decision regarding the senator’s reinstatement remained at the discretion of the Senate leadership.
“You may wish to advise your client to await the action of the Senate to exercise their power of recall as advised by the court,” the letter concluded.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended in May 2025 over allegations of “unparliamentary conduct” and “gross misconduct.” Critics have described her suspension as politically motivated, citing her rising popularity and outspoken criticism of alleged irregularities in federal budget implementation.
Her legal team challenged the suspension, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation. Justice Nyako’s ruling was seen in legal circles as a win for Akpoti-Uduaghan, even though it stopped short of mandating her return to the Senate.
The court had expressed concern that her continued exclusion amounted to the disenfranchisement of the people of Kogi Central, urging the Senate to act in the interest of democratic representation.
Despite the court’s guidance, the Senate has yet to lift the suspension, fueling speculation about internal rifts within the Red Chamber and tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition lawmakers.
The National Assembly’s latest response is expected to intensify public and political debate. Several civil society groups and pro-democracy advocates have condemned the Senate’s inaction, describing it as a display of legislative impunity and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
A source close to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the Assembly’s letter as “disappointing but not unexpected,” confirming that her legal team is considering further action, including the possibility of an appeal or contempt proceedings.
The senator has remained largely silent since the court ruling, issuing only a short statement on July 5 thanking her supporters and reaffirming her commitment to serve the people of Kogi Central.
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has not publicly commented on the matter, though sources suggest internal divisions over how to proceed.
As public pressure mounts and legal options remain open, the issue may soon test the Senate’s ability to balance political authority with constitutional responsibility.
What began as a disciplinary action has evolved into a wider debate on legislative accountability, the rule of law, and democratic representation—with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the centre of a growing national spotlight.
