The Nigerian Senate has declined to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.

A letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intention to resume duties on the same date. However, the Senate made it clear that her suspension remains in effect until a pending court case is resolved.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated. The leadership stressed that any decision on her return must await judicial clarification from the Court of Appeal.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had written to the Senate leadership on September 4, insisting that her suspension period had lapsed and that she was ready to resume her legislative responsibilities. Her suspension, imposed earlier in 2025, was based on allegations of “conduct unbecoming of a legislator,” a move she has consistently described as politically motivated.

The senator immediately challenged the Senate’s decision in court, filing an appeal to overturn the suspension. The case is currently before the Court of Appeal, which will decide whether her suspension was constitutional or an overreach of legislative authority.

This development has sparked renewed debate over legislative powers and judicial oversight in Nigeria’s democracy. Critics argue that the Senate risks undermining the rule of law by tying her return to judicial timelines, while others believe the chamber acted within its rights to protect institutional discipline.

Until the Court of Appeal delivers its ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains barred from representing Kogi Central, leaving her constituents without direct legislative representation in the Red Chamber.