The Nigerian Senate has upheld the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, barring her from resuming legislative duties until the Senate reconvenes from recess in September 2025, as confirmed by Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu on Channels Television’s Politics on July 22, 2025. The Kogi Central senator was denied entry to the National Assembly complex in Abuja on the same day, despite citing a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4, which declared her suspension unconstitutional and ordered her reinstatement. Adaramodu emphasized that the court’s ruling was advisory, not binding, and that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, initiated in March 2025 for alleged violations of Senate rules following a seating dispute, remains in effect.
The standoff has intensified public debate, with civil society groups and women’s rights activists, including the Womanifesto coalition, condemning the Senate’s actions as an attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-member chamber. Her legal team is exploring further action, with Akpoti-Uduaghan asserting, “My legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi who voted me in.” The Senate’s appeal of the court ruling at the Court of Appeal and tightened security measures at the National Assembly underscore the ongoing tension, highlighting broader issues of gender dynamics and legislative authority in Nigeria.
