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BREAKING: National Assembly Holds Firm—Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Resumption Denied Pending Appeal Decision
Published September 9, 2025 • DocuNews Central
Suspension Still in Force — NASS to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
The National Assembly has formally informed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that she remains suspended and cannot resume her legislative duties until the Court of Appeal delivers its final verdict on her case. The Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, made this clear in a letter dated September 4, 2025. The letter states her six-month suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, is still active because the matter is sub judice (still before the court) .
The letter reads in part:
“…the matter remains sub judice, 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. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”
Senator Natasha’s Suspension: Background and Legal Dispute
In February 2025, Senator Natasha publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim he has firmly denied . The Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her petition on technical grounds, stating she had submitted it herself rather than through another senator, calling it “dead on arrival” .
On March 6, she was suspended for six months based on allegations of misconduct. The Senate cited her refusal to comply with seat reassignment, disruptive behavior, impromptu remarks, and other breaches of the 2023 Standing Orders. Her privileges, salary, office access, and security detail were revoked .
Later, a Federal High Court ruled in her favor, declaring the suspension excessive, though she was fined and convicted for contempt in the process. She subsequently appealed the Senate’s decision at the Court of Appeal, where the case is now being heard .
“This Was Orchestrated to Silence My Voice” — Natasha Speaks Out
Senator Natasha has remained steadfast in her position that the suspension was politically motivated and an attempt to silence her. Speaking from New York, she condemned the Senate’s move:
“This was orchestrated to silence my voice. That action is an assault on democracy … I am not apologising for speaking my truth.”
Her outspokenness has sparked broad conversation around gender equity and political representation in Nigeria, particularly given the scarcity of female senators in the 109-seat chamber .
Reaction from Civil Society: Call for Due Process and Patience
Civil society organizations have backed the Senate’s insistence on due process. The Centre for Leadership Training, through its president Chief Azuka Francis, urged patience and adherence to legal procedures. He stated:
“Senator Natasha’s stated resumption date is erroneous. Her suspension runs until September 6, 2025. It is therefore premature and inconsistent with the Senate’s resolution for her to attempt a return before the expiration of the subsisting sanction.”
Francis emphasized that allowing the Senate to act before the court’s verdict would undermine the rule of law and the democratic principles legislators are sworn to uphold .
What’s at Stake for Kogi Central Constituents
The people of Kogi Central Senatorial District remain effectively unrepresented in the upper chamber. For more than six months, their voice in legislation, oversight, and budgetary processes has been absent. Local leaders and communities have raised concerns about this democratic gap—urging that the people, not internal polity, should guide timelines .
Political Fallout and Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts remain divided:
Some argue her suspension stemmed from a legitimate internal conflict, cautioning that rules must be respected regardless of emotional or political implications.
Others say the Senate overstepped, using its disciplinary powers to quell dissent and potentially abuse privileges, especially against a vocal female senator.
Whether the Court of Appeal will lean toward upholding the Federal High Court’s comments on excessiveness or side with the Senate remains the focal point for legal watchers.
What’s Next? Awaiting the Court’s Ruling
The next pivotal moment lies with the Court of Appeal. Possible outcomes:
If the court rules in Natasha’s favor, the Senate may be compelled to lift the suspension immediately.
If the court upholds the Senate’s action, the suspension may continue, and she remains sidelined indefinitely.
Regardless, the Senate has stated it will reconvene to review her case once the judiciary delivers its final pronouncement .
Summary Table: Key Facts at a Glance
Issue Details
Suspension start date March 6, 2025
Senate’s stance Prevents resumption because the matter is sub judice
Court of Appeal involvement Case currently pending, no action until judgment
Natasha’s claim Suspension is politically motivated and an assault on democracy
CSO reaction Supports due process and warns against premature resumption
Impact on constituents Kogi Central remains unrepresented for now
Final Thoughts
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case transcends individual politics—it holds up a mirror to Nigerian democracy, governance, and justice. The outcome will set a crucial precedent for how suspensions, parliamentary discipline, and political dissent intersect with judicial accountability.
Stay tuned to DocuNews Central for exclusive coverage, expert analysis, and live updates when the Court of Appeal delivers its ruling.
