Natasha Returns To Senate After Suspension Over Harassment

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has returned to the National Assembly months after being suspended over her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Kogi Central lawmaker resumed plenary on Tuesday, marking her official reinstatement following a legal battle challenging her suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after publicly accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that triggered public outrage and a nationwide conversation about gender-based intimidation in Nigerian politics. The Senate at the time cited misconduct and breach of parliamentary rules as reasons for her suspension, a move many described as politically motivated.

Human rights groups and civil society organisations condemned the action, saying it was aimed at silencing a female lawmaker who dared to speak out against abuse of power. Akpoti-Uduaghan later took the matter to court, contesting the legality of the suspension and insisting it violated her constitutional rights.

Her reinstatement followed the resolution of the case, which examined both the suspension procedure and the handling of her harassment complaint.

Speaking after her return to plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan thanked her constituents for standing by her throughout the ordeal. She said her reinstatement reflected the determination of the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians who refused to bow to intimidation.

She expressed renewed faith in the judiciary, describing her victory as one for justice and democracy. The senator pledged to continue serving her constituents with commitment while trusting the courts to ensure fairness in ongoing legal matters.

Her return marks the latest chapter in a controversy that has tested the Senate’s internal accountability and reignited debates about gender equality and political power dynamics in Nigeria.