Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has announced her intention to resume plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in accordance with a court ruling that nullified her suspension from the Senate.
Speaking during a constituency training programme on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she has formally notified the Senate of her planned return, despite an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenging the court’s decision.
“I have about two months left before the six-month period expires. However, I have written to the Senate again, informing them that I’ll be resuming on the 22nd—Tuesday—by the special grace of God,” she said. “The court made a decision. Whether it is termed an order or not, it remains a judicial decision.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6 for alleged breach of Senate rules, insisted that while the suspension did not prevent her from executing constituency projects, it limited her ability to perform key legislative functions, including sponsoring bills and motions.
“Every senator has three major responsibilities—legislation, oversight, and representation,” she noted. “While I continued representing my people and had their needs reflected in the federal budget, I was restricted from contributing to lawmaking and oversight duties. I certainly missed sponsoring bills, but I never stopped working.”
The senator was suspended after she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim that triggered widespread controversy and legal action. In response to her suspension, she approached the court, which recently ruled in her favour, declaring the Senate’s action illegal.
Despite the Senate’s pending appeal, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that the ruling stands and legitimizes her resumption.
Her planned return is expected to stir renewed tensions within the red chamber as she insists on her constitutional mandate to represent her constituents.
