Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Kogi Central, has returned to plenary at the National Assembly after serving a six-month suspension.
She reclaimed her seat on Tuesday at 11:42 a.m., receiving a warm welcome from her colleagues as she exchanged greetings upon entering the Senate chamber.
The lawmaker was accompanied by civil rights activists, including Aisha Yesufu, a prominent voice in the Bring Back Our Girls movement, who watched proceedings from the gallery. However, several of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters were denied entry.
Her office, Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing, was reopened earlier in the day by security personnel led by Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, signaling the formal end of her suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct following her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension barred her from participating in all legislative activities.
Although her suspension officially ended in September, her return was delayed due to legal and procedural issues. In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the Senate’s action was “excessive and unconstitutional,” ordering her immediate reinstatement.
Despite the ruling, the Senate leadership insisted she serve the full term of her suspension, prompting a series of exchanges between her legal team and the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana.
On Tuesday, the senator finally resumed duty, reiterating her resolve to continue serving her constituents. She had earlier maintained that she owed “no apology” for standing firm on her principles.
