Breaking: Natasha Set to Resume Duties Following Senate’s Office Access Approval

Breaking: Natasha Set to Resume Duties Following Senate’s Office Access Approval

The Senate on Tuesday reopened the office of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and granted her full access to the National Assembly complex. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office had been locked for weeks following a leadership dispute but was reopened after the Senate leadership reportedly resolved the issues related to her seat.

This decision follows growing pressure from civil society groups and political stakeholders who criticized the restriction as undemocratic. With the office now accessible, the senator is expected to resume her legislative duties without obstruction.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for alleged gross misconduct. With her office unsealed, she can now enter the National Assembly, potentially enabling her to resume her legislative role.

The reopening is intended to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to be present in the chamber when the Senate resumes on October 7, 2025. According to a source, the decision was made during the Senate leadership meeting, where a motion will be introduced by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) for her to apologize, after which it will be seconded and adopted.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, was suspended for six months in March over alleged misconduct related to her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio on February 20, 2025. The suspension barred her from all Senate activities during that period.

Although her suspension ended in September 2025, she has been unable to resume duties due to legal challenges and resistance from Senate leadership. The impact of the extended recess remains to be seen as the Senate returns to plenary sessions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged her suspension in court but was initially unsuccessful. The Senate maintained that the suspension was due to her violation of Senate Standing Orders, not any sexual allegations.

In July, Federal High Court Judge Binta Nyako ruled the six-month suspension excessive and unconstitutional, ordering the Senate to recall her, noting that such a lengthy suspension denied her constituents representation. However, when she attempted to return, access was denied as the Senate insisted she complete her full term of suspension.

The National Assembly Clerk (CNA), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, communicated through Acting Clerk Yahaya Danzaria that the suspension remains valid pending a Court of Appeal decision on the case Akpoti-Uduaghan filed against the Senate.

On September 11, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN, formally requested her recall via a letter to CNA Ogunlana, warning that failure to comply by September 15, 2025, would prompt legal actions including contempt proceedings, disciplinary measures, and other remedies.

Responding to this letter, CNA Ogunlana called for public patience, emphasizing that the relevant institutions, including the Senate and courts, must be allowed to carry out their constitutional duties regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption.