The National Assembly has barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the PDP, representing Kogi Central, from resuming her Senate duties, despite her claim that her six-month suspension had expired.
On September 4, 2025, the senator informed the Senate leadership of her intention to return.
However, a response from the Acting Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, clarified that her suspension remains in effect due to a pending appeal at the Court of Appeal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially challenged the suspension, which commenced on March 6, 2025, following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements during a plenary session.
The Federal High Court had previously ruled in favour of the Senate, prompting her to escalate the matter to the appellate court.
In its statement, the National Assembly emphasized that no administrative action regarding her return would occur until the Court of Appeal reaches a verdict.
The Assembly further explained that the suspension would not be reviewed until the judicial process is concluded.
The letter to the senator stated, “The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision once the matter is resolved.”
