Senator Natasha

The planned return of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, has ignited a tense standoff between the Senate and civil society, with prominent activist Aisha Yesufu declaring unwavering support for the embattled lawmaker.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, following a heated confrontation involving seat arrangements and her public accusation of sexual misconduct against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—an allegation he has since denied. The Senate cited violation of its rules as grounds for her suspension, which was scheduled to last six months.

However, a July ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, declared the suspension unconstitutional and advised her reinstatement. Despite this, the Senate insists that no binding court order compels her immediate recall. Senate President Akpabio’s legal team has already filed an appeal, arguing that the judgement interferes with parliamentary procedures and falls outside judicial jurisdiction, citing Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu reaffirmed the chamber’s stance, stating, There is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber. It is legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is acting on an imaginary order of recall that does not exist.”

Adaramodu warned that any attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume duties before the expiration of her suspension would be premature and disruptive. “The Senate, as a law-abiding institution, is committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate any action that undermines its dignity.”

Despite the warning, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains resolute. Speaking in her hometown, Ihima, Kogi State, on Saturday, she said, I have pretty much two months left before the six months expire. However, I’ve written to the Senate again, telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is Tuesday, by the special grace of God.
The court did make a decision on that. They may argue that it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”

She acknowledged that her suspension had limited her legislative engagement, particularly in sponsoring bills and contributing to debates, although she has continued constituency empowerment efforts.

Backing her decision, activist Aisha Yesufu announced that she and others would accompany Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate on Tuesday. In a passionate interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Yesufu said, Senator Natasha has every right to resume office, and by tomorrow—she is not going to resume alone. There are people who are going to go with her, and I’ll be one of them.
If the Senate decides they are going to kill us, let them kill us.”

Yesufu criticised the suspension as unconstitutional and accused the Senate of institutional discrimination against women. “We are not even one-third. Out of 109 senators, we have only four women. Yet you go after them—you’re going after this particular lady who has done nothing other than discharge her duty the way it should be.”

She also condemned what she described as a growing culture of judicial compromise and political intimidation. “The Senate is sending a message to Nigerians that it can act with impunity and disregard court rulings.
The judiciary, which should be the last hope of the common man, is now a pawn in the hands of corrupt politicians. Even when a judgement is delivered, the judiciary now looks at the body language of those dictating what should be written.”

With Tuesday fast approaching, the political standoff is expected to escalate, raising critical questions about constitutional authority, legislative independence, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.