Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defies suspension to return to the Senate, citing court decision as legal backing amid increased security at the National Assembly
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defied her suspension on Tuesday by appearing at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, drawing a large crowd of supporters and triggering increased security presence around the premises.
Also read: Natasha Akpoti’s Senate Suspension Saga Deepens as Court Order Awaits Compliance
Her appearance followed a public declaration over the weekend that she would resume legislative duties based on a recent court ruling, despite the Senate maintaining that she remains suspended.
Upon her arrival, security at the Assembly complex was visibly intensified. Visitors were subjected to thorough screening by stern-looking officers, who directed most vehicles to park outside.
At least five police patrol vans were stationed near the main gate, signaling that the Senate was anticipating heightened public interest or possible unrest.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March over comments considered unparliamentary.
However, during a recent constituency training session, she insisted that a court decision had cleared the way for her return.
“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 said.
She clarified that while the suspension didn’t affect her constituency engagements, it curtailed her ability to fulfill key legislative roles such as sponsoring motions or presenting bills.
“Legislation isn’t just about being present in your constituency,” she added, emphasizing her desire to resume full parliamentary functions.
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.
Her stance has been reinforced by her legal team. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, West Idahosa, argued that the court decision offers a legal basis for her to return.
“Attendance is a legislative action. Now that she said she wants to go and resume, let us see what the reaction of the Senate will be. But the most important thing is that she is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said in a phone interview.
Despite her legal backing, the Senate maintains that Akpoti-Uduaghan remains barred from the chamber.
On Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chair of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, restated the Senate’s position, noting that there is no binding court order directing her reinstatement.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s aide, Isah Bala, offered limited insight into her next move.
“It is not something I can immediately confirm now because we just returned from a programme in Okene,” he said. By the time of reporting, no further comment had been made.
Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has also thrown her weight behind Akpoti-Uduaghan. She pledged to accompany the senator to the chamber as a gesture of solidarity.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Yesufu criticized the Senate’s decision as unconstitutional and accused it of ignoring judicial authority.
“You cannot claim to respect democracy while flouting the courts,” she warned.
As tensions continue, the political standoff underscores a wider debate about legislative overreach, judicial authority, and the rights of elected officials.
Also read: Natasha Akpoti Senate Suspension Sparks Bold Defiance against Injustice
Whether the Senate will reconsider its stance or stand firm remains to be seen, but Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions have reignited public discourse around transparency and due process in Nigeria’s democracy.
