Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Resume Senate After London Trip
Updated September 2025 — Nigerian lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, will return to the Senate after serving a six-month suspension.Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the people of Kogi Central, is expected to resume her legislative duties in the Nigerian Senate later this month. Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed that the senator is currently on a brief vacation in London but has already made concrete plans to return when the Senate reconvenes on September 23, 2025.“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa told journalists in Abuja. He further assured that the Senate leadership has shown no sign of obstructing her return. “We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all,” he added.
Senator Natasha was suspended on March 6, 2025, following accusations of insubordination. Reports indicated that she allegedly resisted a directive to change her designated seat during plenary. Her refusal was deemed as defiance against the Senate leadership, leading to a disciplinary action spearheaded by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.The suspension was not only punitive but also comprehensive. It came with the removal of her legislative aides, loss of office privileges, and denial of salaries. Many analysts described the suspension as politically motivated, considering Natasha’s outspoken nature and her long-standing tensions with Senate leadership.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had consistently argued that her suspension was less about insubordination and more about her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that the Senate leadership firmly denied and dismissed as baseless. However, Natasha insisted that her suspension was a retaliatory act designed to silence her and undermine her political influence.
The case drew significant public attention, especially from women’s rights groups, political analysts, and civil society organizations. Many observers saw her ordeal as a test of Nigeria’s democratic values and the space given to female lawmakers in a male-dominated political environment.
Following her suspension, Natasha approached the court to challenge the decision. In her suit, she argued that the action was unconstitutional and violated her constituents’ right to representation. According to her legal team, she eventually secured a judgment in her favor, which supported her recall to the Senate.However, the Senate leadership maintained that regardless of any court decision, she would remain suspended until the six-month penalty had elapsed. This legal deadlock prolonged her absence from plenary sessions and raised further questions about the independence of Nigeria’s legislative and judicial institutions.
In July 2025, Senator Natasha attempted to return to the National Assembly before the official expiration of her suspension. The effort ended in a dramatic standoff. Security operatives stationed at the entrance of the National Assembly barred her from gaining access. A crowd of her supporters, who had gathered outside in solidarity, expressed their anger, chanting slogans and demanding her reinstatement.
The incident highlighted the deep political divisions within the Senate and further fueled debates about whether her suspension was a fair disciplinary measure or a calculated political maneuver to keep her out of legislative proceedings.
Currently, Natasha is reported to be in London on a personal vacation. Her lawyer, however, stressed that this trip does not affect her readiness to resume her duties once the Senate resumes on September 23. “Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” Giwa reassured. This statement suggests that the legal disputes may be overshadowed by the expiration of the suspension, allowing Natasha to return without further complications.Upon her return, she is expected to take her seat once again in the Red Chamber and continue her advocacy on governance, transparency, and gender rights, which have been central to her political identity.While official statements from the Senate leadership have not been forthcoming, sources indicate that her return may proceed smoothly. Calls and messages to Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu and the media aide of Senate President Akpabio went unanswered, leaving the public to rely on her lawyer’s assurances.Observers believe Natasha’s return could reignite debates within the Senate. Some fear her outspoken style might clash with leadership again, while others view her reinstatement as a necessary step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. For her constituents in Kogi Central, her presence in the Senate is critical for their representation in national decision-making.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a lawyer, social entrepreneur, and politician. She has been an influential voice in Nigerian politics, particularly in advocating for transparency, equity, and gender inclusivity. Before entering the Senate, Natasha gained recognition for her work on economic development initiatives and for running as a gubernatorial candidate in Kogi State.Her career has been defined by boldness and resilience. Despite facing multiple challenges, from political opposition to gender-based discrimination, Natasha has remained firm in pursuing her legislative and social agendas. Her return to the Senate is expected to revive her contributions in areas such as governance reforms, women’s empowerment, and anti-corruption efforts.
When Senator Natasha resumes her duties, she will likely address pending motions and issues that were left unresolved during her absence. Her constituents expect her to focus on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and security challenges affecting Kogi Central. Political analysts also predict that she may renew her calls for accountability within the Senate and government institutions.Given her history of bold statements and fearless approach, Natasha’s return may also reenergize debates on issues of gender equity in Nigerian politics. Her case has already inspired discussions on whether female lawmakers face stricter scrutiny compared to their male counterparts.
