Strong signs emerged on Tuesday that the rift between embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio may be nearing resolution, as security personnel and the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly unsealed her office in the Senate wing.
This move restores Akpoti-Uduaghan’s access to her office and the National Assembly premises, clearing the path for her possible return to legislative duties.
Vanguard learned that the office was opened ahead of the Senate’s resumption on October 7, 2025, to allow her to be present in plenary. A source revealed that Senate leaders reached the decision at a meeting held Monday. The plan, according to the source, is for Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) to move a motion asking Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an apology, which will be seconded and subsequently taken on the floor.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, was suspended in March for six months after protesting the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. Her suspension formally ended in September but she was denied access to resume, citing unresolved legal and procedural issues.
In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, declared the six-month suspension excessive and unconstitutional, ordering her reinstatement to prevent her constituents from being left without representation. Despite the ruling, the Senate maintained its stance that she must serve the full suspension period.
Her lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), wrote to the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) in September, demanding her recall and warning of legal action, including contempt proceedings, if she was not allowed to resume.
Responding through a statement signed by Director of Information Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, CNA Kamorudeen Ogunlana clarified that his office has no power to override Senate resolutions, stressing that any decision on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return rests solely with the Senate.
With her office now reopened and the leadership appearing to soften its stance, all eyes are on the Senate’s October 7 session, which could finally resolve the months-long standoff.
