The planned return of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan to the National Assembly has ignited controversy, prompting former lawmaker Shehu Sani to weigh in. Sani warned that the senator’s comeback remains uncertain because it hinges on the outcome of a pending court case, stating, “If the pending court issue has to be resolved before the Kogi Senator resumes, then the resumption has no date.”
On Tuesday, the National Assembly rejected Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s notification to resume legislative duties, noting that her six‑month suspension remains in force pending the Court of Appeal’s judgment. In a letter dated 4 September 2025, Acting Clerk Dr. Yahaya Danzaria clarified that the suspension began on 6 March 2025 after allegations of insubordination when the senator refused a change of seat during a plenary session. Although Akpoti‑Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, informed the Senate that her suspension ended on 4 September, the Senate emphasized that the matter is sub judice and will be reviewed only after the court delivers its verdict.
The upper chamber’s decision underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s return. The controversy has significant implications for Nigeria’s legislative process, as the unresolved court case leaves it unclear when the senator can resume her duties, potentially affecting representation for her constituents in Kogi Central. By upholding the suspension pending judicial determination, the National Assembly highlights the importance of adhering to legal processes in resolving internal disputes. Ultimately, the court’s ruling will decide the fate of Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s return, leaving her constituents to await a resolution and underscoring the need for timely, effective dispute‑resolution mechanisms within the legislative system. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the National Assembly and the courts will navigate this complex issue and what broader impact it will have on Nigeria’s legislative process.
Comments are closed for this story.