Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Defies Senate Condition, Announces Resumption Date Following Court Victory

In a bold move that has reignited national political discourse, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has announced her return to legislative duties, defying conditions set by the Nigerian Senate.

The embattled lawmaker, who was suspended for six months, declared in a trending video that she would resume plenary on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, following a favorable judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court ruled that her suspension was excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of the rights of her constituents, thereby ordering her immediate reinstatement.

“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” Natasha stated while addressing jubilant supporters in the viral video.

Despite the court’s clear ruling, the Senate, under President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership, has insisted that Senator Natasha must issue a formal apology before she can be reinstated. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu maintained that the court did not strip the legislative body of its authority to discipline members.

“The court hasn’t taken away the Senate’s right to discipline members. It’s now up to her to apologize as directed. Once she does that, the Senate will sit and determine the next steps,” Adaramodu said, emphasizing that the upper chamber would scrutinize the content of her apology before making a final decision.

The court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, also ruled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan committed contempt by publishing a satirical apology on Facebook a move seen as defying the earlier court directive regarding decorum.

While Senator Natasha’s camp celebrates what they call a “victory for democracy,” the standoff between the judiciary and the legislative arm raises constitutional questions about the balance of power and legislative discipline.

In the meantime, supporters and observers nationwide await to see whether Natasha will follow the court’s directives in full and whether the Senate will allow her return without further political drama.