Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan To Resume Senate Duties After Court Victory.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the trailblazing representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District, is set to return to her legislative duties on Tuesday, following a landmark ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court’s decision to overturn her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate has been hailed as a triumph for justice and representation, sparking widespread celebration among her supporters.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, declared the suspension imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in March 2025 as “excessive” and unlawful, citing a violation of Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses, Powers and Privileges Act. The ruling highlighted that the Senate’s 180-day suspension effectively deprived Kogi Central constituents of representation for nearly the entire legislative session of 181 days. Justice Nyako emphasised that while the Senate holds the authority to discipline its members, such measures must not undermine the democratic rights of constituents to fair representation.
The suspension stemmed from a heated dispute in February 2025, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a change in her seating arrangement in the Senate chamber. The Kogi Central senator accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made inappropriate advances and sexist remarks, claims he has consistently denied. Her subsequent petition to the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee was dismissed on procedural grounds, and she was suspended for alleged “unruly and disruptive” behaviour, including refusing to sit in her assigned seat and making public statements against the Senate leadership.
The court’s ruling, however, was not without conditions. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt for posting a satirical apology on her Facebook page during the legal proceedings, in violation of a court order prohibiting public statements on the case. She has been ordered to pay a fine of ₦5 million and publish apologies in two national newspapers and on her social media within seven days. Despite this, the senator remains steadfast, expressing gratitude to her supporters and vowing to continue her advocacy for Kogi Central and women’s rights.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), made history in 2023 as the first female senator elected from Kogi State. Her journey to the Senate was marked by resilience, having successfully challenged electoral irregularities in the 2023 Kogi Central senatorial election at the Court of Appeal. A lawyer and founder of the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program, she has been a vocal advocate for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill and has received accolades, including the African Women Leadership Award and a presidential honour from the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
The decision to reinstate her has drawn praise from prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who commended her courage in challenging the suspension and highlighted the vulnerability of women in Nigeria’s male-dominated Senate, where only four of 109 senators are women. However, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu indicated that the Senate would deliberate on her reinstatement only after she complies with the court’s directives, underscoring the chamber’s authority to discipline its members.
Supporters have taken to social media to express their joy, with posts on X describing the ruling as a victory for justice and a call for the Senate to respect the rule of law. Women’s rights groups and activists, including Aisha Yesufu, have rallied behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, though some have expressed disappointment over the court’s contempt ruling. The senator herself remains undeterred, stating on social media: “Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity. I will continue to serve my constituents to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond.”
As Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan prepares to resume her duties on Tuesday, her return signals a renewed opportunity to champion the interests of Kogi Central and amplify the voices of women in Nigerian politics. Her resilience in the face of adversity continues to inspire, marking a significant moment in the fight for gender equality and democratic representation in Nigeria.
