Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has declared her intention to return to plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, citing a recent court ruling that nullified her suspension earlier this year.
Speaking during a training programme in her constituency on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she had formally written to the Senate notifying them of her plan to resume her legislative duties.
“I have about two months left before the six-month window lapses. I’ve officially written to the Senate again, stating that I’ll be resuming on the 22nd of July, by God’s grace,” she said. “The court gave a decision on this matter—even if they argue about whether it was an order or not, the fact remains: it was a legal decision.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March over alleged misconduct, a move her legal team challenged in court. The court later declared the suspension unlawful. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has since filed an appeal against the judgment.
Despite the ongoing legal process, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that the appeal does not negate the court’s earlier decision or prevent her from returning to the National Assembly.
While the suspension sidelined her from key legislative functions such as sponsoring bills and participating in debates, she emphasized that it didn’t stop her from working for her constituents.
“Each senator has three major roles: legislation, oversight, and representation. I’ve continued to represent my people by identifying community needs and ensuring they’re included in the federal budget,” she explained. “Of course, I’ve missed introducing bills and motions, but the work didn’t stop.”
Her planned return is expected to trigger political tensions in the Red Chamber, as she asserts her constitutional right to represent the people of Kogi Central.
