The National Assembly on Tuesday officially reopened the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following the expiration of her suspension.
Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was unsealed by the Sergeant-at-Arms team in the presence of security operatives.
The office had remained locked since March 6, 2025, after the Senate suspended her for alleged misconduct during a heated protest over the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a video recorded at the scene, the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, was seen removing the seal. He announced:
“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension ended earlier in September, but her return had been stalled by legal disputes and resistance from Senate leadership.
On July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” affirming her right to resume legislative duties. Despite this, her formal request to return was rejected by the National Assembly leadership.
Speaking on the development, a close aide to the lawmaker told journalists that the unsealing was a “step toward justice,” though it remains uncertain whether she would be granted full access to legislative proceedings.
“The senator has always maintained that her suspension was unjust. With her office reopened, we expect the Senate to allow her resume fully when plenary reconvenes,” the aide said.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on October 7, when it will become clear whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will join her colleagues on the floor of the Red Chamber.
