Natasha set to return to Senate Tuesday

Suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has announced her return to the Senate, following a Federal High Court ruling overturning her six-month suspension from the National Assembly.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made the announcement in a social media video that began circulating widely on Sunday, thanking her supporters and confirming plans to resume duties this week.

“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today.We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she stated in the video.

The announcement comes on the heels of a court decision delivered on Friday in Abuja by Justice Binta Nyako. The judge ruled that the senator’s suspension was unconstitutional, excessive, and deprived her constituents of rightful representation.

Justice Nyako ordered her immediate reinstatement, declaring that the Senate lacked constitutional authority to impose such a lengthy suspension.

However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt over a Facebook post interpreted as a satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The post violated an interim injunction from March 4, 2025, which barred parties involved in the suit from making public statements about the matter.

As a result, the court fined the senator ₦5 million for breaching its directive.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension occurred in March after a chaotic Senate session reportedly triggered by a dispute over seating arrangements. The controversy escalated days later when she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a televised interview.

In her ruling, Justice Nyako criticised the legislative body’s internal disciplinary approach, warning that extended suspensions without due process are incompatible with democratic principles.

She reminded lawmakers of their constitutional obligation to attend at least 181 sitting days each legislative year and urged the National Assembly to revise its rules to ensure fair hearings and adherence to legal standards.