Senator Natasha Returns to Senate After Six-Month Suspension

After six months of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central is set to make her return to the Senate as plenary resumes today (Tuesday), following the chamber’s extended recess.

Her legal team confirmed that the senator has completed her suspension period and is fully entitled to resume her legislative duties. The National Assembly had previously postponed its resumption from September 23 to October 7, 2025, delaying key national discussions and decisions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, stated that the senator’s suspension had already run its course, adding that any attempt to prevent her from returning would contradict the Senate’s own resolution.

He explained that the issue currently before the court relates only to the legality of her initial suspension and not her right to return.The Kogi Central senator’s office, sealed since her suspension in March, was reopened two weeks ago by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly.

Her return comes after a turbulent period of legal disputes, accusations of political victimisation, and public exchanges between her and the Senate leadership.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 over alleged misconduct linked to her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Despite the controversy, the senator has maintained a defiant stance, vowing not to apologise for standing her ground.As the National Assembly reconvenes today, all eyes are on the red chamber to see whether the outspoken senator will be allowed to retake her seat or face further resistance from the Senate leadership.