Senate Rejects Natasha Akpoti’s Request to Resume after 6-month Suspension

The Nigerian Senate has refused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to return to legislative duties, insisting that her six-month suspension remains in effect until the Court of Appeal delivers its ruling on the matter.

This was disclosed in a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria.

The Senate acknowledged receiving the senator’s notice expressing her intention to resume on September 4, 2025, which she claimed marked the expiration of her suspension.

However, the upper chamber clarified that her suspension began on March 6, 2025, and stressed that the matter is sub judice, as it is currently 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.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended in March after the Senate accused her of violating its standing orders.

Although the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the suspension, she has since appealed the decision.

According to the Senate’s letter, her suspension will only be reviewed once the appellate court delivers its judgment.

The Senate, which is currently on recess, is scheduled to reconvene on September 23, 2025.