photo file : An image of Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, officially resumed her legislative duties on Tuesday after her office at the National Assembly was unsealed. The office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, had been sealed since March 6, 2025, following her suspension from the Senate.

The unsealing was carried out by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms. In a video shared online, Adedeji announced “I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to work shortly after, expressing gratitude for the support she received during her six-month suspension. She remained defiant, stating she had “no apology to tender. “In retrospect, it’s amazing how much we’ve had to endure in the past six months—from the unjust suspension to the recall attempts, blackmail, and even a certain woman’s Facebook campaign. But we survived,” she said. “I give God the glory and thank the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large. To my husband, I love you dearly. I hope more men support their wives the way you’ve stood by me.”

She went on to criticize Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of dictatorial leadership and unfair treatment. “We cannot back down in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than the other. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He’s not the governor of the National Assembly, yet he treated me like a subordinate in his personal home. That is unacceptable.” Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a heated protest over the reassignment of her seat on February 20. The suspension barred her from participating in Senate activities for six months. Although the suspension period ended in September, she faced legal and institutional roadblocks that delayed her return.

On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled her suspension unconstitutional and excessive. Despite notifying the Senate of her intention to return, her request was initially denied by the National Assembly leadership. It remains unclear whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be fully reinstated with all legislative privileges or allowed to take her seat when the Senate reconvenes on October 7.