The Senate has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bid to return to plenary, insisting that her six-month suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of her appeal.
In a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate confirmed receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification that she intended to resume legislative duties on September 4, 2025, which she argued marked the end of her suspension.
However, the Senate maintained that her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, is still valid and cannot be lifted while the case is 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.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March over alleged breaches of Senate standing orders. The Federal High Court in Abuja later upheld the suspension, prompting her to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
The Senate stated that her suspension would only be reviewed after the appellate court delivers its judgment.