Abuja, Nigeria July 19, 2025
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has declared her intention to return to plenary at the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, despite an ongoing six-month suspension imposed on her earlier this year. Her decision follows a Federal High Court ruling on July 4, 2025, which nullified the Senate’s action, deeming it unlawful, excessive, and a breach of her constitutional rights.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March 2025 stemmed from a petition in which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition on technical grounds and recommended her suspension, claiming she had brought "public disgrace" to the Senate. Although some senators argued for a reduced suspension, the Senate ultimately upheld the six-month ban. The decision sparked outrage among women’s rights advocates, with activist Hadiza Ado calling it "a disgraceful day for Nigerian women" during an interview with the BBC.
On July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court overturned the suspension, citing Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution, which limits legislative suspensions to 14 days. The court ruled the Senate’s actions a violation of its own Standing Orders and of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutional right to represent her constituents. Despite the ruling, the Senate has filed an appeal, setting the stage for a legal confrontation.
Speaking to supporters in Kogi Central on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her determination to resume her duties. "I have just about two months left before the suspension would have lapsed. However, I have informed the Senate of my intention to resume on July 22nd, by God’s grace," she stated. While the suspension restricted her from legislative activities, she emphasized it did not stop her from delivering constituency projects or fulfilling her mandate to her people.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defiance is consistent with her outspoken reputation. In a previous interview with the BBC, she described the Senate as a "cult," pointing to entrenched power structures within the chamber. Her legal victory has reignited national conversations on legislative accountability and gender equity in Nigeria’s political system. A 2022 Journal of African Law study found that 68% of legislative suspensions between 2010 and 2020 exceeded constitutional limits—an issue Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case could help bring to an end.
The Senate has not officially responded to her planned return, though its ongoing appeal signals continued resistance. Analysts predict heightened tensions when plenary resumes, as her presence may test the boundaries between judicial authority and legislative autonomy.
Women’s groups have rallied behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeing her case as a defining moment for female representation in Nigeria’s male-dominated political environment. With Nigerian women holding just 13.9% of top managerial roles according to the 2021 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report, her battle highlights broader issues of gender inclusion and political empowerment.
As the country watches, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate may signal a turning point in the fight against legislative overreach and in advancing women’s rights in Nigerian governance. The outcome of the Senate’s appeal could determine the future of accountability and gender parity within the National Assembly.
