The embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, made a dramatic return to the National Assembly, six months after she was suspended from legislative duties.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had been barred from participating in plenary since March 2025, arrived at the Red Chamber in high spirits as the Senate reconvened after a 10-week recess.
The session was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The senator was accompanied by a small group of loyalists and activists, including prominent rights campaigner Aisha Yesufu, who was seen seated in the gallery. Several others were denied entry into the chamber.
Walking confidently into the Senate chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan exchanged pleasantries with a few of her colleagues before taking her seat, signaling the official end of a suspension that had stirred intense public debate earlier in the year.
The lawmaker was suspended in March for six months after a heated confrontation over the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio on February 20.
During the protest, she was accused of misconduct, prompting the upper chamber to sanction her.
Following the suspension, her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was sealed off on March 6.
It remained inaccessible until two weeks ago, when it was reopened by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, clearing the way for her return.
Upon regaining access to her office, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not mince words, describing Akpabio as a “dictator,” a remark that underscored the lingering tension between both lawmakers.
Tuesday’s plenary witnessed an impressive turnout of senators, reflecting a renewed focus on legislative business as Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes her duties amid heightened public attention.
