A dramatic face-off looms at the National Assembly as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan insists on resuming plenary duties today, citing a recent Federal High Court judgment as legal grounds for her return. The Nigerian Senate, however, maintains that no binding court order mandates her reinstatement, warning that any attempt to re-enter the chamber would be deemed premature and disruptive.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended in March 2025 following allegations of misconduct and a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension, which spanned 180 days, was later challenged in court. On July 4, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, prompting the senator to notify the Senate of her intention to resume on July 22.
In a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, her legal counsel argued that the judgment constitutes a binding directive under Section 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution. “The Senate should recall the Plaintiff,” the judgment stated, a phrase her legal team interprets as mandatory despite the use of “should” rather than “shall”.
However, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu has firmly rejected this interpretation. He clarified that the court’s ruling was advisory in nature and did not compel immediate reinstatement. “There is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” Adaramodu stated, adding that the senator was also found guilty of contempt and fined ₦5 million, with a directive to issue a public apology—conditions yet to be fulfilled.
Security has reportedly been heightened around the National Assembly complex amid speculation of a possible confrontation. The Senate has warned that any unauthorized attempt to resume plenary duties would undermine legislative integrity and violate due process.