The Nigerian Senate has issued a firm warning to suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, advising her to refrain from returning to the Red Chamber, pending the conclusion of her suspension.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Senate’s spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, clarified that contrary to claims by the embattled lawmaker, there is no binding court order compelling the Senate to reinstate her at this time.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after a controversial altercation involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The suspension followed allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing Akpabio of sexual misconduct claims he has strongly denied and a subsequent clash over seating arrangements on the Senate floor.
Relying on a recent ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the senator had announced plans to resume plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, citing what she interpreted as a legal green light.
But the Senate has pushed back, asserting that the judgment does not contain a direct or mandatory order instructing her immediate recall. Adaramodu noted that the senator herself had filed an appeal and a motion for stay regarding the same ruling, which makes her anticipated return even more problematic.
“It is surprising and legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while on appeal and having filed a motion for stay against the valid and binding orders made against her, is attempting to act upon an imaginary order of recall that does not exist,” Adaramodu said.
He warned that any attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to “storm” the Senate chamber under a false impression of legal justification would not only be premature but would also breach due process and the dignity of the Senate.
“The Senate is a law-abiding institution and will not permit the disruption of its proceedings,” he added.
The spokesperson further stated that the Senate would, in due course, deliberate on the court’s advisory opinion regarding any amendments to the Senate Standing Orders and the terms of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s possible recall. She will be officially notified when such decisions are made.
“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow the process to take its legal course,” the statement concluded.
