Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Reclaims Senate Office After Six-Month Suspension
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has officially returned to her office in the National Assembly after months of political tension, following a directive by the Sergeant-at-Arms to unseal her workplace.
Her return on Tuesday afternoon marked the first time she stepped into her Senate office since her suspension in March, a decision that had sparked nationwide debates on legislative excesses, gender politics, and the limits of parliamentary authority.
Months of Exclusion
The Senator’s office had remained sealed for six months, effectively cutting her off from her official duties, staff, and constituency liaison.
The Senate suspended her in March for alleged violations of its standing rules, but critics described the punishment as politically motivated and unconstitutional.
The controversy deepened when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that triggered widespread public debate and further strained relations within the Red Chamber.
Drama at the National Assembly
Arriving at the Senate wing of the National Assembly at about 2:30 p.m., Natasha was accompanied by loyal supporters. Witnesses told Global Mirror News that there was initial resistance by security operatives, who attempted to bar her entry.
However, earlier in the day, her office had already been reopened under the supervision of the Sergeant-at-Arms in collaboration with security officials.
Speaking shortly after regaining access, she declared:
“You can’t apologize for an injustice. I will not apologize, and I have not been briefed on any conditions for my return.”
She warned that attempts by some lawmakers to push for a formal apology would not stand, while promising to make further statements in the coming weeks.
Legal Battles and Public Support
During her suspension, Natasha sought judicial intervention. In July, she filed a suit challenging the Senate’s decision, arguing that her suspension violated her rights and disenfranchised her constituents in Kogi Central.
Civil society groups, opposition figures, and gender rights advocates rallied behind her, describing her ordeal as a test case for democracy and women’s representation in governance.
Her political base in Kogi Central also organized protests, demanding her reinstatement and accusing Senate leadership of silencing dissenting voices.
Looking Ahead
The Senate is currently on recess and is expected to reconvene on October 7, 2025. While her office has been reopened, questions linger:
Will Senate leadership seek to impose further conditions on her return?
How will her working relationship with Senate President Akpabio and other principal officers play out?
Could this episode embolden other lawmakers to resist what they see as abuse of power within the legislature?
For now, Senator Natasha’s return underscores a political comeback laced with defiance. She thanked her constituents, family, and supporters for standing by her, adding:
“No one is more Nigerian than us. We must all stand against injustice.”
As plenary resumes in October, the stage is set for what may be one of the most closely watched Senate sessions of the year.
