Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, failed to resume legislative duties on Tuesday as promised, following a court ruling on Friday that nullified her six-month suspension from the Senate. The lawmaker also did not issue a public apology in two major newspapers and on her social media, as mandated by the court.
In a widely circulated video, Akpoti-Uduaghan had assured supporters she would return to the Senate’s Red Chamber on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to her constituents for their support after the favorable court decision. However, her absence sparked speculation that the Senate leadership may have advised her to stay away pending a review of the Certified True Copy of the court’s judgment.
Security was significantly heightened at the National Assembly, with increased checks on vehicles and visitors at the entrance, causing traffic delays extending to the Federal Secretariat intersection. Authorities denied that the measures were related to the senator’s situation.
Rumors circulated about a letter, dated July 5, 2025, allegedly from Senate legal counsel Paul Daudu, warning Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Jubrin Okutepa, against her return to the Senate until an official court order was issued. The letter reportedly cautioned that her presence could disrupt Senate proceedings. Daudu, however, denied authoring the letter in a statement on his Facebook page, dismissing the claims as false.
The Senate leadership has stated it will take no official action until the court’s ruling is formally reviewed, leaving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return uncertain as tensions linger.
