Dare Babalola
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, on Tuesday made her return to the National Assembly after serving a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate earlier this year.
The lawmaker, who was smiling as the upper chamber resumed plenary following a 10-week recess, was accompanied by a handful of activists and loyalists, including Aisha Yesufu, who was spotted in the gallery, while others weren’t allowed in.
The session was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the session.
She walked into the Senate chamber and made her way to her seat and after exchanging pleasantries with a few senators.
The lawmaker was suspended in March 2025 for six months over alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.
Following her suspension, her office—located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing—had been locked since March 6, 2025.
However, it was recently unsealed by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, paving the way for her return.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had described Akpabio as a “dictator” when she was allowed into her office two weeks ago after serving her suspension.
The plenary recorded a significant turnout of lawmakers, indicating a full return to legislative business.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return marks the end of a controversial suspension that had sparked nationwide debate. She was suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct during her protest over the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.
