National Assembly Unseals Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Office After Six-Month Suspension

The National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, months after she was suspended from the Senate.

Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was reopened on Tuesday morning by the Sergeant-at-Arms, assisted by security personnel. A video circulated online showed Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, formally removing the red seal from her door.

“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” he declared.

Suspension and legal battle

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, for alleged misconduct following her protest against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat. She was barred from all legislative duties for six months.

Although her suspension officially lapsed in September, Senate leadership resisted her return, citing unresolved disputes. On July 4, however, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.

The senator subsequently notified the chamber of her intention to resume duties, but the National Assembly rejected her request, deepening the standoff.

What happens next?

While Tuesday’s unsealing marks a significant step, it is unclear whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will be fully reinstated or permitted to resume her duties when the Senate reconvenes on October 7.

Analysts say the move could signal a thaw in the prolonged standoff between the embattled lawmaker and the Senate leadership.