Senate Awaits Court Judgment as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Declares Return

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has announced her intention to resume legislative duties in the Senate on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her suspension and ordered her immediate reinstatement.

However, the Senate leadership has maintained that it will not act on the ruling until it receives and thoroughly reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, which was delivered on July 4, 2025.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, clarified the position of the Red Chamber:

“Although our legal team was present in court, the full judgment was not delivered in open court. A formal application has been submitted for the Certified True Copy for proper legal analysis. Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position.”

Adaramodu also stressed that as none of the involved parties had yet been served the enrolled order, no lawful enforcement could be carried out.

Despite the Senate’s cautious stance, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to return to the chamber. In a video circulating on social media and gaining traction on Sunday, she thanked her supporters and declared:

“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God.”

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The judgment, delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled that the senator’s suspension lacked constitutional foundation and infringed on the right of Kogi Central constituents to representation.

However, the court also held Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt, referencing a Facebook post she made — described as a satirical apology addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Justice Nyako found the post in violation of a March 4, 2025, interim injunction prohibiting public commentary on the case.

As penalty, the court imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for disobeying the order.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier in March 2025, following a chaotic plenary session marked by disputes over seating arrangements. The fallout intensified when she later accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment in a televised interview.

In her judgment, Justice Nyako stated that the process leading to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was procedurally flawed and that it unjustly denied her constituents their voice in the Senate.

Meanwhile, the Kogi Renaissance Group has cautioned the senator against any forceful or unauthorized return to the National Assembly. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Segun Faniyi, the group expressed concern over reports that she might “storm” the chamber in protest.

“Such a move would not only escalate tensions but also disrespect the judiciary’s ruling and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative institution,” the group warned.

They urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to exercise restraint, noting that the court had not only reinstated her but also penalized her for contempt, which calls for measured response rather than confrontation.

The group also issued a public apology to the Senate and Senate President Akpabio, acknowledging that their earlier support for the senator was based on incomplete information:

“The court’s detailed judgment has provided clarity, and we now recognise the need for restraint and adherence to due process,” Faniyi said.

As the Senate awaits the formal court documentation, the unfolding drama continues to highlight the complex intersection of law, politics, and public accountability in Nigeria’s legislative space.