The Senate has rejected the request of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to legislative duties, insisting that her six-month suspension remains in force until the Court of Appeal rules on her case.
In a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged receiving the senator’s notice in which she indicated her intention to resume on September 4, 2025, claiming her suspension had elapsed.
However, the Senate clarified that the suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, is still active and cannot be lifted while the matter is pending 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 stated.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March after the Senate accused her of breaching its standing orders. Although the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the suspension, she has since lodged an appeal.
According to the Senate, her suspension will only be reviewed once the appellate court delivers judgment.
