Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, officially resumed legislative duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday after a prolonged suspension. Upon her return, she made strong statements, describing Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a “dictator” and condemning what she called the undemocratic handling of her suspension.
Her office—Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing—had been under lock and seal since March 6, 2025, following her suspension. It was reopened by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, in a video circulated on social media.
“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” he announced during the unsealing process.
“No Apologies to Tender” — Natasha Declares
Speaking after resuming, Senator Natasha remained defiant, saying she had no regrets about her actions or words leading up to her suspension.
“Looking back, it’s amazing what we’ve endured over the past six months—from an unjust suspension to a hard-fought return. We overcame blackmail, legal pushback, and even smear campaigns online,” she said.
She offered thanks to her constituents, Nigerians at large, and her husband, adding:
“To my husband, I love you dearly. I pray all men support their wives the way you’ve supported me.”
Natasha, a long-time critic of Senate President Akpabio’s leadership style, didn’t hold back in her criticism:
“Sometimes it’s necessary to test institutions. We cannot be silenced in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than another. Senator Akpabio is not the governor of the Senate, yet he treated me like a subordinate or domestic staff.
It’s deeply unfortunate that a national legislative institution is being run by a dictator. That is simply unacceptable.”
Backstory: Suspension and Legal Battle
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on March 6, 2025, over what the Senate leadership described as “unparliamentary conduct” during her protest over the reassignment of her seat on February 20. Her absence barred her from all activities of the 10th Senate.
Although her suspension technically ended in September, her return was delayed due to legal and institutional resistance. On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was excessive, unconstitutional, and violated her fundamental rights.
Following the judgment, she formally wrote to the Senate, notifying them of her intention to resume. However, her request was reportedly ignored by the Senate leadership—until Tuesday’s quiet unlocking of her office.
It remains unclear whether she has been reinstated with full legislative privileges, or if she will be allowed to participate in plenary sessions when they resume.
Senate Resumption Delayed to October 7
Coinciding with Natasha’s return, the Senate has postponed its resumption of plenary sessions from September 23 to October 7, 2025. The development was announced in an internal memo signed by Chinedu Akubueze, Chief of Staff to the Senate President.
“This is to respectfully inform distinguished senators that the resumption of plenary sitting, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October 2025,” the memo read.
“Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted. Distinguished senators are kindly invited to note the postponement and adjust their schedules accordingly.”
Sources within the National Assembly suggest the delay is intended to allow lawmakers to fully observe Independence Day celebrations on October 1, although no official reason has been stated.
The Senate had gone on recess on July 24, with Akpabio at the time citing “legislative calendar alignment” with the House of Representatives as the reason.
Legislative Backlog Grows
The extension of the Senate’s recess has raised concerns about the mounting legislative backlog. Critical debates, pending motions, and oversight functions—particularly on executive appointments and public expenditure—remain stalled.
With Senator Natasha’s return and growing internal tensions, the resumption on October 7 is expected to be a politically charged session, as all eyes turn to how the Senate leadership will handle dissent within its ranks.
