Despite a recent court judgment declaring her suspension unconstitutional, the Nigerian Senate led by Godswill Akpabio has insisted that there will be no going back on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is expected to make a dramatic return to the plenary on Tuesday (today).
Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central, suspended since March 2025, on Saturday announced her intention to resume legislative duties, citing the Federal High Court’s ruling as her legal backing.
“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she stated during a constituency training programme.
“I will be there, because the court did decide on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she added.
Her legal counsel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, West Idahosa, also supported her move, arguing that the court judgment sufficiently empowers her return.
“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court. I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents,” Idahosa told PUNCH.
He further insisted that, “The suspension was overreaching the provisions of the constitution. I mean, that was clearly stated there. When you say that the plaintiff should go back, you mean that she should go back to work. I think that is more or less an order… She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
However, the Senate has taken a hardline stance. In a letter dated July 14, addressed to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), the National Assembly categorically stated there was no binding order compelling the Senate to recall the lawmaker.
Signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling for the Clerk to the National Assembly, the letter emphasized that the judgment only “advised” the Senate to consider her return.
It reads in part: “Accordingly, you may wish to advise your client to await the action of the Senate to exercise their power of recall as advised by the court and in terms with the judgement of the Honourable Court, please.”
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, echoed this position, stressing that the Certified True Copy of the judgment contained no enforceable directive.
“The judgment did not include any express or mandatory order directing the recall or reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” he said.
While her legal team insists the judgment is binding under Section 318 of the Constitution, the Senate argues otherwise, stating that without a specific court order, her suspension stands.
With Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan set to arrive at the National Assembly today, political watchers anticipate a tense standoff on the Senate floor — a clash of judicial interpretation.Whether she gains access to the chambers remains to be seen.
