The National Assembly Management (NASS) has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to resume legislative duties following her six-month suspension over alleged misconduct.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, NASS informed the Kogi Central senator that her return could not be approved at this time, as her case remains before the Court of Appeal.
The letter acknowledged her notification to resume on September 4, the date she claimed marked the expiration of her suspension, but clarified that the penalty only took effect from March 6, 2025.
“The matter, therefore, remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” Danzaria stated.
He added that the lawmaker would be “duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions after she allegedly refused to comply with a seat reassignment during plenary.
Although she challenged the suspension in court, the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the Senate’s decision. Dissatisfied, she filed an appeal, which is still pending.
The latest stance by NASS indicates that her suspension remains in force until the appellate court delivers judgment, prolonging the standoff between the senator and the Senate leadership.
