…says until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension, no administrative action can be taken.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Nigerian Senate has formally rejected an attempt by embattled Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to return to plenary, insisting that her suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of an ongoing court process.
The decision was communicated to Akpoti-Uduaghan in a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria. The letter followed her recent notification to the National Assembly of her intent to resume legislative duties, which she claimed was due following the expiration of her six-month suspension.
But the Senate maintains otherwise.
In the letter, the Assembly clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension officially commenced on March 6, 2025, and remains valid until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment on the matter, a case which is still subjudice.
“The matter, therefore, remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” Dr. Danzaria wrote.
He further stated that the Senate would notify the lawmaker once the issue is resolved and the legislative body formally reviews her suspension based on the court’s final decision.
The legal dispute traces back to a controversial Federal High Court ruling earlier this year, which both Natasha and the National Assembly have since challenged with cross-appeals at the Court of Appeal. The judgment’s varying interpretations have further deepened the disagreement between the two sides.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently in London, is yet to respond publicly to the latest letter from the National Assembly at the time of this report.
Her suspension has drawn widespread attention, particularly from her supporters who argue it is politically motivated. However, Senate officials insist that the issue is a matter of due legislative process and judicial oversight.
As the legal battle continues, all eyes are now on the Court of Appeal to clarify the fate of the Kogi Central Senator’s legislative comeback.
