The lingering standoff between embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi Central, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio appears to be easing as the National Assembly has unsealed her office.
On Tuesday, the Sergeant-at-Arms, alongside security personnel, reopened Room 205 in the Senate wing, granting Akpoti-Uduaghan access to both her office and the National Assembly complex.
This move signals a possible end to her protracted suspension battle and may pave the way for her return to legislative duties.
Sources disclosed that the decision was reached during the Senate leadership’s meeting on Monday. Upon resumption on October 7, 2025, a motion is expected to be moved by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), asking Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologise before full reinstatement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, formerly Chair of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, was slammed with a six-month suspension in March after protesting the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. Though her suspension officially expired in September, she has remained locked out of her office due to ongoing legal tussles and Senate leadership’s resistance.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” with Justice Binta Nyako ordering the Senate to recall her, warning that prolonged suspension denied her constituents representation. Still, the Senate insisted she serve the full suspension term.
Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Michael Jonathan Numa, pressed for her recall, warning the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, of potential contempt proceedings and liability if she was not allowed back by September 15, 2025.
Responding, Ogunlana maintained that he lacked the authority to overturn Senate resolutions. Through a statement signed by Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, his office stressed that:
“It must be emphasized that the determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right without any further or fresh resolution of the Senate following the expiration of her six months suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the CNA.”
With her office now reopened and Senate resumption around the corner, all eyes are on October 7 to see if Akpoti-Uduaghan finally reclaims her seat in the chamber.
