The National Assembly has informed suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that she cannot yet resume her legislative duties, despite the expiration of the six-month suspension issued earlier this year.
According to the legislative body’s leadership, her suspension remains in effect as the legal matter surrounding her case is still before the Court of Appeal.
Following the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which upheld the Senate’s decision to suspend her, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed an appeal seeking to overturn the judgment.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Parliament acknowledged receipt of a notification from Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her planned return to the Senate.
She had indicated that the suspension, which took effect on March 6, 2025, had lapsed.
However, the letter clarified that the suspension remains valid while the matter is still under judicial review.
“The matter, therefore, remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
Dr. Danzaria assured the senator that she would “be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 over allegations of misconduct during a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning seating arrangements during a plenary session.
The letter emphasized that any review of her suspension by the Senate would only occur after the Court of Appeal delivers its final judgment on the case.
