Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is set to make a bold return to the National Assembly today, in open defiance of the Senate’s directive that her suspension remains active and binding. Her decision is rooted in a recent court ruling which, according to her legal team, voids the excessive terms of her suspension. But tension is rising, as reports suggest a possible police presence may block her entry.
Senator Natasha, suspended by the Senate in March 2025, insists that the legal tide has shifted. Over the weekend, she made her intention clear — she is returning to plenary today, July 22.
“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I’ve written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, by the special grace of God,” she said while addressing journalists at a constituency training programme.
She referenced a court decision that questioned the constitutionality of her suspension. While the Senate argues that the judgment was not a direct order, Natasha maintains that it is, at minimum, a binding decision — and enough legal ground to resume her legislative duties.
“They argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order — but it is a decision,” she said confidently.
Although her suspension did not affect her constituency outreach and development programmes, she noted that it had hindered her from performing core Senate duties, such as sponsoring bills or moving motions on the floor.
Legal Backing
Her legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) West Idahosa, backed her move. Speaking in a phone interview, he argued that legislative attendance is a constitutional duty and cannot be blocked for such an extended period.
“Attendance is a legislative action. The judgment clearly states that a senator cannot be suspended for 180 days. That, in itself, is more or less an order,” Idahosa explained.
He also emphasized that the decision to return should ultimately rest with the constituents who elected her.
“The most important thing is that she is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The judgment has come to an end. Now that she says she wants to resume, let’s see what the Senate does,” he added.
Uncertainty, Resistance & Security Alert
As of Monday evening, her aide, Isah Bala, could not confirm the specifics of her return plan.
“It’s not something I can immediately confirm now because we just returned from a programme in Okene,” he said. As at press time, he had not provided further updates.
Meanwhile, the Senate is holding firm. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, insisted that the legislative chamber stands by its initial decision — barring Natasha from plenary until the suspension formally expires.
“There is no legal directive compelling her immediate recall,” Adaramodu declared.
Tensions Rise Outside the Chamber
Sources within the National Assembly hint at the possibility of a police blockade at the entry gates to prevent the suspended senator from accessing the chamber. If enforced, this move could escalate an already volatile situation — one that touches on the separation of powers, constitutional rights, and gender politics in Nigeria’s legislative space.
A CRISIS OF POWER AND PRINCIPLE
As Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan prepares to walk back into the red chamber today, the real question is no longer just about her suspension — it’s about what kind of precedent Nigeria’s Senate is willing to set. Can a senator return under the protection of a court decision, or does the National Assembly’s internal authority override judicial interpretation?
Today’s events may answer that — or open up new legal and political battles that will shape the months ahead.
📌 Developing story — updates expected from the National Assembly complex.
