Written by Ella Michaels
The Senate has officially reopened the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marking a major development in the prolonged standoff between the senator and Senate leadership. Security operatives attached to the National Assembly, including members of the Sergeant-at-Arms unit, unsealed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office located in Room 2.05 of the Senate wing.
The reopening of her office comes after her controversial six-month suspension in March 2025. The suspension, which followed allegations of misconduct including refusal to accept an assigned seat and claims of harassment against high-ranking Senate officials, sparked outrage and condemnation from civil society groups, legal practitioners, and opposition lawmakers. Many viewed the action as politically motivated and excessive.
In July, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in her favor. Presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, described the suspension as unconstitutional and a violation of her rights as an elected senator. Despite this judgment, the Senate leadership initially resisted implementing the ruling, claiming internal processes were still ongoing. Multiple attempts by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her duties were blocked, with security officers preventing her from accessing her office and participating in plenary sessions.
The senator, undeterred, vowed to pursue further legal action, including a potential lawsuit against the Clerk of the National Assembly for contempt of court. Tuesday’s decision to unseal her office appears to be a turning point. Though the Senate has not issued an official statement on the matter, sources within the National Assembly suggest that the leadership was under growing legal and political pressure to comply with the court’s ruling.
The timing is also significant, as the Senate is scheduled to reconvene plenary on October 7, 2025. The reopening of her office positions Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to fully resume her legislative duties in line with the official resumption calendar. As of press time, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not made a public statement, but aides close to her confirmed she has regained access to her office and intends to return to full legislative activity once the Senate resumes.
This development is being interpreted as a concession by the Senate leadership, and may signal a broader effort to de-escalate tensions within the upper legislative chamber. The decision to reopen Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's office is a significant step towards resolving the impasse and upholding the rule of law.
The reopening of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's office is a victory for the rule of law and a testament to the senator's determination to fight for her rights. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the senator's relationship with the Senate leadership and the overall dynamics of the upper legislative chamber.
The decision to reopen Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's office has significant implications for the Senate. It sets a precedent for the treatment of senators and the respect for court judgments. The Senate leadership's decision to comply with the court ruling demonstrates a commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of its members.
