The National Assembly has reopened the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, months after she was suspended by the Senate.
Her office in Suite 2.05, Senate Wing, was unlocked on Tuesday by the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, alongside security officers. In a video shared from the scene, Adedeji said, “I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you.”
The office had been sealed since March 6, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan was handed a six-month suspension for protesting the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She was also stopped from taking part in Senate activities during that period.
Although the suspension officially ended in September, the lawmaker could not return to work due to legal battles and resistance from Senate leadership. In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was “excessive and unconstitutional,” stressing that such action denied her constituents representation.
Despite the ruling, the National Assembly stood its ground, insisting she serve out her full suspension. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, later explained that his office could not override Senate decisions, saying, “The determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right… lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the CNA.”
Her lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), had written to the National Assembly on September 11, demanding her recall and warning of legal action for contempt if she was not reinstated.
Tuesday’s reopening suggests that the standoff between the senator and the Senate leadership may be easing. Sources said the Senate is likely to discuss her return when it resumes plenary on October 7.
It is still unclear if the reopening grants her full access to resume legislative work, but with the seal now removed, Natasha could be back in the chamber when plenary resumes.
