By Our Reporter
A heated dispute has emerged over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to return to the Senate. The Senate insists her six-month suspension is still in effect until a court decision is made, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) claims the leadership, which supports the ruling APC, is undermining democratic representation.
In a formal letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by Acting Clerk Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged receipt of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notice stating that her suspension had expired. However, the letter stressed that as the matter is sub judice, with the Court of Appeal yet to rule, no administrative action facilitating her return can be taken until the judicial process concludes
The letter (Ref: NASS/CNA/29/VOL.1/41, titled “Re: Notice Of Resumption”) reads in part:
“I am further directed to inform you that your suspension was with effect from Thursday 6th March, 2025 … the subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal. The matter therefore remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension … no administrative action can be taken … You will be duly notified … once it is resolved.”
The PDP quickly criticized the Senate’s position, accusing the acting Clerk and Senate leadership of trying to deny Kogi Central proper representation. PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba said the party wants Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to her duties right away and urged international democracy advocates to speak out against what they see as a clear attack on democratic rights.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension began on March 6, 2025 after she was found guilty of “unruly and disruptive behaviour” and breaching Senate standing orders
. She challenged this in court, and on July 4, 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension excessive and unconstitutional, ordering her recall. However, entry into the National Assembly was later blocked on grounds that the Senate had appealed to the Court of Appeal
Thus, despite the High Court ruling in her favour, the Senate leadership is standing firm on its procedural ground: until the appeal is concluded, reinstatement cannot proceed. The clerk’s letter makes clear that the Senate awaits the appellate court’s decision before reopening the matter for legislative review.
This standoff highlights deeper issues, including gender dynamics, the rule of law, and how institutions control access. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of the few women in the Senate, says her suspension is a punishment for speaking up, even before her sexual harassment complaint was addressed.
Now, the dispute is a clash between legal procedures and political fairness, drawing attention to the state of democracy in Nigeria.