Natasha’s suspension: More obstacles as Senate cites due process to keep her out

By Haruna Salami

The story of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and hopeful resumption has been dodged with controversy as the National Assembly works tirelessly to shut the door at her as the six-month punishment runs its full course.
The Kogi Central Senator had on September 4, 2025 formally notified the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) of her intention to return to plenary and reclaim her office from where the suspension was imposed on March 6, 2025.
Unfortunately, the reply she received was categorically no; “you cannot return yet”.
In a letter signed by Acting Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the National Assembly declared that the matter remains before the Court of Appeal, making her suspension still “alive” until the judiciary concludes.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
The Clerk further assured that she would be duly notified of the Senate’s final position once the appellate process is resolved.
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in her own letter insists she is entitled to resume, arguing that the Senate has no constitutional grounds to extend her punishment beyond six months.