Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, arrived at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja today, July 22, 2025, to resume legislative duties despite her suspension by the Senate.
Her arrival was met with a significant security presence, following earlier reports that authorities had beefed up security around the complex in anticipation of her planned return. A crowd of supporters was also seen at the entrance of the National Assembly, showing solidarity with the lawmaker.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously declared her intention to resume her legislative responsibilities, citing a recent court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which she interprets as supportive of her position. The lawmaker had been suspended from the Senate earlier this year, sparking debates within political and legal circles regarding the validity and process of such suspensions.
However, the Senate has maintained that the ruling in question did not invalidate her suspension. In a statement on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, clarified that the court's ruling was merely an advisory opinion and not a binding directive on the Senate.
Despite this clarification, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan insists on exercising her legislative mandate, stressing that she was elected by the people of Kogi Central and intends to continue representing them.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Senate leadership regarding her resumption. The situation remains tense as observers await further developments.
