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National Assembly Bars Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from Resuming After Suspension

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The National Assembly has barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties, stating her six-month suspension is still active due to a pending legal challenge. The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, had written to the Assembly after her suspension, which began in March, was set to expire. However, the Assembly's Acting Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, explained that no administrative action can be taken until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment on the matter.

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The National Assembly has denied Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central) permission to return to the Red Chamber, stating that her six-month suspension remains in effect due to a pending legal case.

The lawmaker, whose suspension began on March 6, 2025, had written to the leadership of the Assembly on September 4, 2025, to announce her intention to resume her legislative duties, citing the expiration of the six-month period.

In a formal reply, however, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan that her suspension is tied to a matter that is currently sub judice, or under judicial consideration. The Senator had challenged her suspension in court following a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements during a plenary session.

A Federal High Court had previously ruled in favor of the Senate, a decision which the Senator had appealed to at the Court of Appeal. The National Assembly’s letter clarified that no administrative action can be taken to facilitate her resumption until the judicial process is fully concluded.

“The matter, therefore, remains subjudice,” the letter stated, “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.”

The Assembly assured the Senator that she would be officially notified of the Senate’s final position once the court case is resolved. This decision emphasizes the legislative body’s stance that the issue’s resolution rests with the judiciary, and its internal disciplinary action cannot be reviewed until a final court pronouncement is made.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a result of a reported altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. While the suspension was for a fixed period of six months, the Senator’s decision to challenge it in court has complicated her return. The National Assembly is now legally constrained from taking further action on the matter until the appellate court delivers its judgment. This situation highlights the intersection of parliamentary discipline and the rule of law in Nigeria’s political landscape.