ABUJA: Months after her controversial suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District is set to return to the National Assembly as the Senate leadership has ordered the unsealing of her office.
In a video shared with journalists on Tuesday, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, confirmed the directive, declaring:
I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, National Assembly, having been directed to unseal the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, hereby unseal the office.
When contacted, Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, declined to elaborate, saying only: something was sealed before and now unsealed, it means it has been unsealed.
Sources disclosed that Monday’s meeting of principal officers failed to produce a united position. While some lawmakers pushed for her immediate reinstatement following the expiration of her six-month suspension, others insisted she must tender an apology before resumption.
A third camp argued that her suspension should continue pending the Court of Appeal’s judgment on her case.
Although Senate rules forbid debating issues before the courts, several senators are said to be lobbying the leadership to waive the rule to break the deadlock.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March 2025 triggered nationwide criticism and legal battles. In July, the Federal High Court ruled that the sanction was excessive. Critics argue that prolonging her exclusion amounts to disenfranchising the people of Kogi Central.
Prominent legal minds including Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) have condemned the continued delay in her reinstatement. Ozekhome described the Senate’s action as an affront to representative democracy, stressing that constituents should not be punished for the actions of their legislator.
Civil rights groups, women’s organisations, and pro-democracy advocates have consistently demanded her return, warning that the Senate’s posture undermines due process and weakens parliamentary representation.
They have also renewed calls for an independent probe into her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio charges the Senate insists were not linked to her suspension.
The leadership has maintained that her suspension was based on gross misconduct and breach of Senate rules, particularly defying the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
Observers note that the eventual outcome of the Natasha saga could set a major precedent for legislative accountability and the rights of constituencies in Nigeria’s democracy.
Whether through a fresh motion on the floor of the Senate or a final ruling from the Court of Appeal, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political fate remains one of the most closely watched developments in Nigeria’s legislature.
