Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has returned to her legislative duties after serving a six-month suspension from the Senate.1 Her return coincided with the Senate’s resumption of plenary sessions on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after a 10-week recess.2
Background of the Suspension
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, stemmed from a public confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.3 The Senate cited “gross misconduct” and a violation of its rules as the reasons for the suspension.4 The conflict arose from her refusal to accept a reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber.5
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which investigated the matter, accused her of:
- Disregarding the Senate’s sitting arrangement.6
- Speaking without being recognized by the presiding officer.7
- Engaging in disruptive and unruly behavior.8
- Making disrespectful remarks against the Senate leadership.9
- Refusing to appear before the ethics committee.10
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had also filed a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio.11 While the Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, her supporters and various civil society groups argue that the suspension was a form of political silencing and a punitive measure for her allegations against the Senate President.12 Akpabio has denied the allegations.13
Return to the Senate
Despite the ongoing legal tussles and earlier resistance from the Senate leadership, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension formally ended in September.14 Her office was unsealed on September 23, 2025, and she was seen back on the floor of the Senate at 11:42 a.m. on Tuesday.15 Her legal team had warned the Senate against any move to block her entry, insisting she had served her punishment and was constitutionally entitled to resume her duties.16 Akpoti-Uduaghan has stated that she has “no apology to tender” for her actions.
