Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), representing Kogi Central, officially resumed her duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, following the completion of a six-month suspension.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the Senate as plenary resumed after a ten-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding.

She was suspended for six months in March 2025 after allegations of misconduct related to her protest regarding the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio on February 20.

When she resumed, only a few activists and loyalists, including Aisha Yesufu, were allowed in; others were denied entry.

The Controversy That Led to Her Suspension

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension commenced following her dispute with the Senate leadership in February 2025, during which she publicly objected to the reassignment of her seat in the chamber and the removal of her nameplate. She characterised these actions as an “unjust reassignment” and perceived them as attempts to undermine her position.

On February 20, following her challenge to the decision on the chamber floor, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions—chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen—alleged that she had violated sections of the Senate’s standing orders. The committee cited instances of “unparliamentary conduct” and “disruptive behaviour.”

Her actions, together with a previous petition in which she alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, resulted in a political response. The Ethics Committee dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, stating that internal rules had been breached because she signed it herself. The incident received national attention and led to discussions regarding gender bias, institutional accountability, and women’s representation in politics.

On March 6, 2025, the Senate voted to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. Her office was sealed, her salary and allowances halted, and she was barred from entering the National Assembly complex.

Dispute and Lawsuit

Her suspension sparked widespread criticism from civil society, women’s rights advocates, and opposition figures, who saw it as an attempt to silence her. The situation escalated when her Kogi residence was attacked in April, which she attributed to her dispute with Senate leadership.

In July 2025, an Abuja Federal High Court ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement after ruling her suspension unconstitutional. Despite this, the Senate delayed action pending internal reviews, prompting her legal team to warn of contempt proceedings.

After months of pressure, her sealed office in the Senate wing was reopened on September 23, 2025, signaling a gradual move toward her reinstatement. Despite this, her physical return to the chamber was delayed until the Senate’s official resumption in October.

A Turning Point for Women in Politics

Senator Akpoti Uduaghan’s reinstatement represents more than an individual achievement; it signifies a positive outcome for democratic principles and accountability. This development demonstrates the capacity of institutions to self-correct when the rule of law is maintained, and underscores that effective leadership is fundamentally rooted in service rather than subordination.

However, Akpoti Uduaghan’s return to the Senate holds significant symbolic value for women throughout Nigeria. Her presence underscores the importance of women’s representation and inclusion in advancing national progress.

Her reinstatement and decision not to withdraw her allegations indicate that women can maintain their stance in situations involving institutional pressure, particularly at a time when female representation in the country remains below 35%.

Her decision not to retract her allegations communicates to many young women that it is possible to remain resolute and assertive despite institutional pressure. Her successful outcome now serves as an emblem of determination, representing an individual who confronted authority, maintained her position, and emerged with renewed strength.

A Measure to Support Democratic Accountability

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing progress toward democracy and gender equality. Her return following the court judgment underscores the principle that all branches of government are subject to the rule of law.

The judiciary’s reversal of the Senate’s suspension order underscores the importance of checks and balances within Nigeria’s democratic framework. This outcome highlights the resilience of democratic institutions in upholding due process and ensuring that political authority remains subject to legal oversight.

This action demonstrates that public officials are not permitted to act arbitrarily, even within the confines of the National Assembly. Furthermore, the result underscored the significance of the opposition party’s role in ensuring accountability among those in authority.

Mrs Rukayah Sanni, a gender advocate and co-founder of Women Voice, highlighted Senator Apoti’s win as a significant development for enhancing women’s representation and reinforcing democratic principles. She stated that this achievement has impacted the Nigerian political system and renewed optimism for progress.

“Her victory is a big win, especially for women in politics. She has proven herself during her trying times. The outcome of her resilience is not for her alone but for all Nigerian women. It also came during the women’s bill. This shows women are ready to take an active part in politics.

“Her reinstatement has restored some faith in Nigeria’s political and judicial processes. It shows that when citizens and leaders insist on justice, the system can respond. I hope this will encourage more women to participate actively in politics and never get intimidated. The democracy we want is here. Both genders need to work together for a better Nigeria.” She added

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