Senate Unseals Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Office After Months of Suspension Standoff

The Senate has reopened the office of embattled lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, signalling the end of a bitter power struggle between the Kogi Central senator and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Security operatives and the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly on Tuesday unsealed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Office 205, granting her full access to the National Assembly premises for the first time since her six-month suspension in March.

The development is seen as a major step towards her return to plenary when lawmakers resume on 7 October. Sources say Senate leaders agreed in a closed-door meeting that she would likely be required to tender an apology through a motion expected to be moved by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended after clashing with Akpabio during a heated row over her seat reassignment on 20 February 2025. Her suspension — which barred her from legislative activities for six months — drew criticism from rights advocates and sparked a legal battle.

In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the lengthy suspension was unconstitutional, warning that constituents were left without representation during the period. Despite the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan was repeatedly denied access to her office, as Senate leadership insisted she serve the full suspension.

Her formal reinstatement now paves the way for her return to the Senate chamber next month.