Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has announced her intention to return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, in compliance with a court ruling that declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional and excessive.
A Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, found that her March suspension violated Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution and breached Senate Standing Orders, which limit suspensions to 14 days.
The court ruled that the Senate’s action infringed upon her constitutional right to represent her constituents. The Senate has since appealed the ruling.
Speaking in her constituency on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that although the suspension did not stop her from delivering constituency projects, it restricted her legislative responsibilities, including bill sponsorship and motions.
“I’ve informed the Senate of my decision to resume on July 22, by God’s grace. The court has made its decision, and I intend to act on it,” she said.
The senator reiterated the three core duties of a legislator—lawmaking, oversight, and representation—and noted that while she continued to serve her people through project delivery and budget advocacy, the suspension disrupted her ability to participate fully in the legislative process.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned return sets the stage for a legal and political standoff, as the Senate maintains its stance pending the outcome of its appeal.
