ABUJA— The Nigerian Senate has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to resume legislative duties, insisting that her six-month suspension remains in effect until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on her case.
The position of the Senate was conveyed in a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had written to the Senate, notifying it of her intention to resume on September 4, 2025, which she argued marked the expiration of her suspension.
The lawmaker was suspended in March after being accused of breaching the Senate’s standing orders. While the Federal High Court, Abuja, upheld the suspension, she subsequently filed an appeal challenging the decision.
In its response, however, the Senate maintained that it would only review the matter after the appellate court delivers its ruling.
“The Senate will not take any action on the suspension until the Court of Appeal decides on the case,” the letter stated.
The National Assembly is currently on recess and is expected to reconvene on September 23, 2025.
