Drama at National Assembly as Senator Natasha is Denied Entry over Suspension Dispute
A tense scene unfolded at the gates of Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday as suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was denied entry into the legislative complex by security officials, despite a recent court ruling that questioned the legality of her suspension.
Arriving in a black SUV accompanied by aides and supporters, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was stopped at the main gate by security operatives who insisted on proper identification. When her vehicle failed to meet the security requirements, she stepped out and attempted to enter on foot, drawing the attention of onlookers and raising tensions within the complex.
Security around the National Assembly had been visibly heightened since early morning.
Personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed across all strategic points—including the SGF gate, Villa gate, and annex entrances. Multiple eyewitnesses reported a strict screening process, with several other vehicles turned back for lack of clearance.
This confrontation follows the fallout from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, handed down by the Senate in March 2025.
The suspension, which stemmed from allegations of misconduct during plenary, was recently described as excessive by a Federal High Court, which invalidated the Senate’s action and ordered her reinstatement.
However, the Senate has contested the interpretation of that ruling.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stated that while the court questioned the proportionality of the suspension, it did not issue a direct enforcement order compelling the Senate to readmit her.
According to Adaramodu, “The court did not say the Senate must recall her. It simply described the suspension as harsh.”
Adding to the legal wrangle, the Senate has demanded that Akpoti-Uduaghan pay a ₦5 million contempt fine and tender a formal apology before she can be reinstated. The leadership maintains that her return must follow due legislative process, warning against what it called an “attempted forceful re-entry.”
Undeterred, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remained in the vicinity of the Assembly building after being blocked, reportedly holding brief meetings with her legal and political allies.
Sources close to her say she is determined to resume her legislative duties based on the court’s verdict and has vowed not to back down.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and opposition voices are calling on the Senate leadership to respect the judiciary and reinstate the embattled lawmaker without further delay. Supporters argue that the Senate’s resistance undermines judicial authority and could set a dangerous precedent.
As the standoff intensifies, attention now turns to how the National Assembly leadership and judicial institutions will respond to the growing tension surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case—a conflict that highlights the deepening clash between legislative autonomy and constitutional oversight.
