Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan returns to Senate plenary after six-month suspension

The embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, made a return to the Senate on Tuesday after completing a six-month suspension.

She appeared cheerful as the upper chamber reconvened from its 10-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the plenary.

Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly in the company of a few loyalists and activists, including Aisha Yesufu, who was spotted in the gallery. Several others were, however, denied entry.

Upon entering the chamber, the senator exchanged pleasantries with some of her colleagues before settling into her seat.

Her reinstatement brings to a close a suspension that had sparked intense public discourse earlier in the year. She was suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct linked to her protest over the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio on February 20.

During her suspension, her office—Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing—remained sealed from March 6 until recently, when it was reopened by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms.

Two weeks ago, after regaining access to her office, Akpoti-Uduaghan had described Akpabio as a “dictator,” reflecting the lingering tension between the duo.

Tuesday’s plenary witnessed a large turnout of lawmakers, signaling a full resumption of legislative activities.