Tension builds in Senate as Natasha defies suspension, set to storm plenary today

A storm is brewing in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan prepares to defy her suspension and return to the Senate floor, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic showdown today.

Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has declared her intention to resume plenary duties following a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja that nullified her six-month suspension. The court found her suspension unlawful, sparking immediate debate within political and legal circles.

However, the Senate leadership is not backing down just yet. Officials say the Red Chamber will not act on the ruling until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s judgment. Until then, her seat is expected to remain technically vacant, despite the court’s directive.

READ ALSO: Natasha set to return to Senate Tuesday

Last Friday, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the Senate’s suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan in March 2025 was excessive, unconstitutional, and amounted to a violation of both her legislative rights and the right of her constituents to representation.

The court voided the suspension, ordered her immediate recall, and fined her ₦5 million for contempt over a satirical Facebook post that allegedly breached a court injunction.

Justice Nyako also directed Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a public apology within seven days, to be published in two national dailies and reposted on her Facebook page. As of Monday night, the senator had not complied with this order.

In a viral video shared on social media over the weekend, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan celebrated the court’s decision and announced her intention to resume legislative duties today, Tuesday.

“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 declared to a cheering crowd of supporters.

The announcement has caused tension within the Senate, which remains cautious about acknowledging the ruling without full legal clarity.

Reacting to the developments, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, issued a statement clarifying the Senate’s position.

He said that although the Senate’s legal team was present in court during the ruling, the full judgment was not read in open court. As a result, the leadership has formally applied for the Certified True Copy of the ruling to determine its exact implications.

“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position,” Adaramodu stated.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March following a rowdy plenary session, during which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The allegations sparked controversy and led to her immediate suspension from the chamber.

The move triggered widespread condemnation from civil society organisations and human rights groups, who accused the Senate of attempting to silence a dissenting voice.

In April, Akpoti-Uduaghan posted a satirical apology to Akpabio on Facebook, which the court viewed as a violation of an interim gag order it had issued earlier on March 4, barring all parties from making public statements about the suit challenging her suspension.

Senate lawyers argued that the post constituted contempt of court, leading to a fine and the public apology order. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, however, insisted the post was unrelated to the case and addressed separate misconduct allegations against the Senate President.

But Justice Nyako disagreed, holding that the Facebook message was clearly connected to the court case and therefore constituted a deliberate breach of the court’s directive.

The fine and the public apology order, although separate from the reinstatement judgment, may become key issues if the Senate seeks to delay or contest her return further.

While the legal and procedural deadlock continues, political observers say the real challenge may lie in managing the optics and internal tensions the senator’s return could provoke on the Senate floor.

For Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, however, the court ruling is a resounding vindication.

“This is not just about Natasha. It’s about our right to be represented in the Senate,” said a community leader in Kogi Central. “We are ready to stand by her.”

As the Senate resumes plenary, all eyes will be on whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan walks through the Red Chamber doors and what the Senate leadership does next.