In a bold defiance of Senate leadership, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has vowed to resume plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025—despite a pending appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenging the court ruling that declared her suspension illegal.
Speaking during a constituency training programme on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had formally notified the Senate of her intention to return to the chamber, citing the judicial decision as the legal foundation for her resumption.
“I have about two months left before the six-month suspension expires. But I have written to the Senate again, informing them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said. “I will be there because the court did make a decision on the matter. They may argue whether it’s an order or not, but it is a judicial decision, and I intend to abide by it.”
The senator, who was controversially suspended in March over allegations of misconduct, has since remained active in her constituency but was unable to fully participate in legislative duties.
“Every senator has three core responsibilities: lawmaking, oversight, and representation. While I continued to identify and push for solutions to my constituents’ problems and succeeded in capturing many of them in the federal budget, I’ve missed out on key legislative functions—particularly sponsoring bills and moving motions,” she noted.
Despite the Senate’s appeal of the ruling that declared her suspension illegal, Akpoti-Uduaghan insists that nothing in the current legal framework prevents her from taking her seat.
“The suspension never stopped me from working for my people, but it did limit my ability to fulfill my constitutional mandate as a lawmaker,” she added. “Now that the court has spoken, I’m ready to return and continue serving in full capacity.”
Her imminent return is expected to reignite tensions within the Red Chamber, especially as she remains outspoken about legislative independence, gender equity, and democratic rights. Allies say her reappearance could trigger fresh political undercurrents, while her critics within the Senate are likely to push back, citing the ongoing legal process.
As Tuesday approaches, all eyes will be on the Senate to see whether Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will indeed reclaim her seat—or whether another political standoff looms in the nation’s upper legislative house.
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