The prolonged dispute between suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio appears to be nearing resolution after the National Assembly Sergeant at Arms, accompanied by security personnel, unsealed her office in the Senate wing on Tuesday.
The unsealing of Office 205 effectively grants the embattled senator access to both her workspace and the National Assembly premises, potentially clearing the path for her return to legislative duties when the Senate reconvenes on October 7, 2025.
According to sources, the decision emerged from a Senate leadership meeting on Monday, where plans were discussed for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s formal reinstatement. The process will likely involve a motion of apology, expected to be moved by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, was handed a six-month suspension in March following allegations of misconduct. The suspension stemmed from her protest against a seat reassignment by Senate President Akpabio on February 20, 2025.
While her suspension technically expired in September 2025, ongoing legal battles and Senate leadership resistance prevented her return to duty during the extended parliamentary recess.
Court Intervention
The senator’s legal challenge gained traction in July when Federal High Court Judge Binta Nyako ruled the six-month suspension “excessive and unconstitutional.” Justice Nyako ordered the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that prolonged suspension deprives constituents of representation.
Despite the court order, the Senate maintained its position, with the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, stating that the suspension would remain until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment on her suit against the Senate.
Legal Pressure Mounts
The situation intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), issued an ultimatum to the National Assembly Clerk on September 11, demanding her recall by September 15. The letter warned of potential legal action including contempt proceedings and disciplinary measures for breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
In response, Ogunlana maintained that his office lacks authority to reverse Senate decisions, emphasizing his role as purely administrative support to the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities.
Path to Resolution
The timing of the office unsealing suggests the Senate leadership is preparing for a structured resolution when plenary sessions resume. This development marks a significant shift from the previous hardline stance and indicates potential compromise between the warring parties.
As the October 7 resumption date approaches, all eyes will be on whether this gesture translates into full restoration of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative privileges and the formal end to one of the 10th Senate’s most contentious disputes.
