In a dramatic twist to the months-long political standoff, suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally written to the Nigerian Senate, asserting her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, following a Federal High Court judgment that declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional, excessive, and a breach of her constituents’ rights.
The letter, routed through her legal team, M.J Numa & Partners LLP, was dated July 11, 2025, and titled: “RE: SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. The Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors.: Forwarding of Court Order and Demand for Compliance.”
Signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Michael Jonathan Numa, the letter delivered a firm legal reminder to the Senate leadership, urging immediate compliance with the court’s ruling and an end to what the court described as an unconstitutional and overreaching disciplinary action.
> “After a thorough consideration of the facts and applicable law, the Honourable Court made several findings and orders, including, notably, a definitive pronouncement in Order 10 that the six-month suspension imposed on the Plaintiff was excessive, overreaching, and inconsistent with her ability to comply with the provisions of Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution,” the letter read.
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgment, had categorically ruled that the suspension had no constitutional backing, effectively nullifying it and ordering the Senate to reinstate the embattled senator without delay.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team emphasized that her suspension not only violated her rights, but also disenfranchised thousands of Kogi Central constituents, who have been without representation in the red chamber since her suspension earlier this year.
> “We respectfully demand that you give immediate effect to the clear and binding Order of the Federal High Court by taking all necessary steps to facilitate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption of her legislative duties forthwith,” the letter added.
This latest development has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, raising fresh concerns about the Senate’s internal disciplinary procedures, constitutional compliance, and the broader implications for legislative autonomy and checks on parliamentary excess.
Political analysts suggest that the Senate’s response will be closely scrutinized, as failure to comply could signal a disregard for judicial authority and set a worrying precedent.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her vocal advocacy on social justice, gender equity, and economic reform, had been controversially suspended earlier this year under what many observers now describe as questionable circumstances. Her return is expected to reignite debate and reshape dynamics within the Senate.
As of press time, the Senate leadership has yet to issue a formal response. All eyes are now on Tuesday, July 15, as the nation waits to see whether the Senate will obey the court order — and welcome back one of its most controversial and outspoken members.
PIONEER NEWS 