Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, announced that she will return to plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in accordance with a court ruling, despite an appeal from Senate President Godswill Akpabio contesting the decision.
During an interview at a training event in her constituency on Saturday, she stated that she had formally notified the Senate of her intention to return.
“I still have about two months remaining before the six-month period concludes. Nevertheless, I have informed the Senate that I plan to resume on the 22nd, by the special grace of God,” she remarked.
“I will be present because the court reached a decision on this matter. There are arguments about whether it’s an order or not, but it is indeed a decision.”
The senator, who was suspended in March, emphasized that although the suspension did not hinder her from executing projects for her constituents, it did limit her ability to fulfill essential legislative roles like sponsoring bills and presenting motions.
“I have expressed that every senator has three primary responsibilities: legislative duties, including lawmaking and treaty reviews; oversight to monitor ministers and agencies; and representation, which I continue to fulfill by identifying community issues and ensuring they are included in the federal budget. I’ve made significant progress in that area. While I miss proposing my bills, it hasn’t stopped my work,” she clarified.
Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed she has sent a letter to the Senate regarding her return on Tuesday.
She was suspended on March 6 for six months for allegedly violating Senate rules, an action that followed her claims of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio. She has since legally challenged the suspension.
A recent court ruling deemed the suspension unlawful; however, the Senate has filed an appeal, which Akpoti-Uduaghan insists will not prevent her from resuming her duties.
Her comeback is poised to ignite new tensions in the Senate as she asserts her constitutional right to representation.
