Why Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot resume now — Senate

The Senate has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bid to resume her duties.

The upper chamber insisted that her six-month suspension remains valid pending the outcome of her appeal.

In a letter signed by acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate confirmed it had received her notice of intent to return on September 4, 2025, which she claimed marked the end of her suspension.

However, the Senate clarified that the suspension began on March 6, 2025, and stressed that the matter is already before the Court of Appeal.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March after being accused of breaching Senate standing orders.

Although the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the suspension, she has challenged the ruling at the appellate court.

According to the Senate, her suspension will only be reviewed after the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment.