The National Assembly has maintained that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central cannot yet resume legislative duties, despite completing her six-month suspension.
In a letter responding to her notification of intent to return, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, stated that the senator’s suspension remains tied to an ongoing judicial process.
“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal. The matter therefore remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is completed, 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 read in part.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6, 2025, had written to the leadership of the National Assembly declaring her suspension period over and requesting reinstatement. However, the Clerk stressed that the Senate would only take a position after the appellate court delivers its ruling.
The Kogi senator had previously attempted to return to the red chamber on July 12, following a Federal High Court judgment directing the Senate to revisit her suspension. But she was blocked from entering the complex on the grounds that both parties had appealed aspects of the judgment, now pending at the Court of Appeal.
For now, Senator Natasha remains locked out of legislative business until the legal battle is resolved and the Senate formally considers the court’s decision.
