The National Assembly has formally declined Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to resume her legislative duties.
The federal parliament cited an ongoing legal appeal as the basis for its decision, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension on September 4, 2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, over allegations of misconduct.
Although a Federal High Court later ruled the suspension excessive and unconstitutional, the Senate President’s subsequent appeal has left her reinstatement in limbo.
In a letter dated September 4 and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the NASS maintained that no administrative action would be taken to facilitate her return until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment.
Part of the letter read, “The matter therefore remains sub judice, 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.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had, in an earlier letter dated August 28, informed the Clerk of her intention to resume duties, arguing that her six-month suspension had lapsed and her right to represent her constituents should be restored without delay.
“Consequently, by operation of law and in accordance with the terms of the Senate’s resolution, I am entitled to resume my full duties as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she wrote.
She also warned that any further delay would not only violate her constitutional rights but also disenfranchise the people of Kogi Central.
The NASS, however, insists the matter must first be settled in court.
Two legal proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge to the legality of her suspension, and a cross-appeal by the Senate President, are still pending before the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The development brings to light a larger constitutional debate: the balance between the legislature’s disciplinary powers and the rights of duly elected lawmakers to unimpeded access to their mandates.
Until the Court of Appeal delivers a final verdict, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains effectively shut out of the red chamber, even though her suspension term has formally expired.
