Suspended Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan Resumes Duties, Declares ‘No Apology to Tender’
Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, on Tuesday resumed legislative duties at the National Assembly shortly after regaining access to her office.
Her return followed the formal unsealing of Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant‑at‑Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
The lawmaker, who had been on suspension since March, maintained a defiant stance upon resumption, declaring that she had “no apology to tender.”
Reflecting on her ordeal, Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan described the past six months as a period marked by “unjust suspension, recall, blackmail,” and public attacks, yet expressed gratitude to God, her constituents in Kogi Central, and Nigerians at large for their support.
She paid special tribute to her husband, urging Nigerian men to emulate the steadfast support he had shown her during the crisis.
The senator stressed the importance of challenging institutional injustice, stating that “no one is more Nigerian than us” and criticising Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly treating her in a manner unbecoming of the office.
Her office had remained sealed since March 6, 2025, when she was suspended from the Red Chamber over alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat on February 20.
Although the suspension formally lapsed in September, legal disputes and resistance from Senate leadership delayed her return. On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.
Following the judgment, Akpoti‑Uduaghan wrote to the Senate notifying it of her intention to resume duties, but the request was initially rebuffed by the National Assembly.
It remains uncertain whether Tuesday’s development restores her full privileges as a senator or whether she will be permitted to sit with her colleagues when plenary resumes on October 7.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the 10th Senate has again adjusted its legislative calendar, shifting the resumption of plenary from September 23 to October 7, 2025. The postponement, conveyed in an internal memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze, has drawn attention within the National Assembly, with sources suggesting the delay was intended to allow lawmakers to fully observe Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
