Natasha Set to Return to Senate Despite Akpabio Appeal

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan says she will return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, in line with a court ruling that voided her suspension, even as Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenges the decision in court.

The senator, who represents Kogi Central, made the announcement during a visit to her constituency over the weekend. She was attending a community training programme when she confirmed that she had formally written to the Senate to notify them of her intention to resume plenary.

Natasha said her return is based on the court’s judgment, which declared her earlier suspension unlawful. While the Senate has filed an appeal against the ruling, she insists that the legal challenge does not override the existing court decision. According to her, the judgment gives her the right to return to the chamber.

She explained that although her suspension, which began in March, did not prevent her from serving her constituents, it did limit her ability to participate in lawmaking and other core Senate responsibilities. She stressed that every senator has three main roles—law-making, oversight, and representation—and she has continued to deliver on the third.

She noted that while she remained active in getting her constituency’s needs reflected in the national budget, she was restricted from sponsoring bills or contributing directly to Senate debates during the period of suspension.

Her suspension had followed allegations of misconduct, a move her legal team challenged in court. The court’s ruling in her favour reignited the debate about the rights of elected lawmakers and the limits of disciplinary actions within the legislature.

Despite the appeal filed by the Senate leadership, Natasha says she is determined to resume her duties as a lawmaker, standing firm on her claim that her seat belongs to the people of Kogi Central.

Her planned return could stir renewed tension in the Red Chamber, as she pushes forward with her demand to reclaim her legislative seat. The development adds another layer to the ongoing power dynamics within the Senate.