Natasha Insists on Senate Resumption Despite Akpabio’s Appeal

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has vowed to resume plenary duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in defiance of the appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenging her reinstatement.

Speaking in her hometown of Ihima, Kogi State, on Saturday during a training and empowerment programme for her constituents, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to returning to the Red Chamber in line with a recent court judgement that nullified her suspension.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months [suspension window] expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she declared.

While addressing the legal nuances of her suspension, the Senator emphasized that the court’s verdict, which she insists is binding, granted her the right to resume legislative duties. “I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order — it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that although the suspension did not stop her from engaging with her constituents or carrying out constituency projects, it significantly curtailed her legislative mandate, especially in sponsoring bills and motions that directly impact her people.

Her planned resumption follows a protracted legal battle over the constitutionality of her suspension, a move she has described as politically motivated.

Despite the appeal by the Senate leadership, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that the court’s decision remains valid and must be obeyed unless overturned.

Observers see her firm stance as a bold challenge to Senate President Akpabio’s leadership and a potential litmus test for the autonomy of the judiciary in legislative matters. The Senate leadership is yet to issue a formal response to her planned return.