Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain suspended as Senate enters recess

Summary

• Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March 2025 over alleged misconduct.
• She says it followed her sexual harassment accusations against Senate President Akpabio
• A court ordered her reinstatement, but the Senate insists the suspension stands
• Senate break from 24 July to 23 September ensures she serves full term
• Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was briefly stopped at Abuja airport over a reported travel watch list but was later cleared to board her UK flight

Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will remain barred from legislative duties as the Nigerian Senate begins its annual recess, effectively requiring her to serve out the remainder of her six-month suspension. The Senate adjourned on 24 July 2025 and will reconvene on 23 September, two weeks after her suspension officially ends.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central and is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, was suspended on 6 March 2025. The Senate accused her of misconduct and insubordination after she protested a reassignment of her seat during a plenary session on 20 February. However, she maintains the move was retaliation for her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions recommended her suspension, which also stripped her of her salary, security detail, and office access. Although her legislative aides continue to receive their salaries, her office remains locked.

In July, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was unconstitutional and violated the right of Kogi Central constituents to representation. Justice Binta Nyako ordered her reinstatement. But the Senate, led by Akpabio, has refused to comply, arguing that no formal directive was issued and that the matter is still under appeal.

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu cited the chamber’s disciplinary powers under Section 60 of the Constitution, also noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan had not paid a ₦5 million court-imposed fine or issued a required public apology.

On 22 July, the senator attempted to resume duties at the National Assembly but was denied entry by security operatives. She condemned the Senate’s defiance as “contemptuous” and vowed to escalate the matter legally.

The suspension has sparked public backlash, especially from civil society and women’s rights groups, who demand a full investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims against Akpabio. Legal experts, including Femi Falana, have criticised the Senate’s stance as an abuse of legislative power, while Akpabio’s allies defend the disciplinary action as justified.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to engage her constituents, insisting her suspension does not nullify her mandate.

“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said, affirming her commitment to serve until 2027.

The case has reignited debate about gender discrimination in Nigeria’s political space and could set a significant legal precedent regarding the limits of legislative immunity and judicial oversight.

In an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, yesterday morning, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was reportedly detained briefly by Immigration officials while trying to board a flight to the United Kingdom. She was said to have been told she could not travel because her name had been placed on a watch list, allegedly at the request of the leadership of the National Assembly.

According to witnesses, the senator protested the travel restriction and was seen making frantic telephone calls to senior immigration and government officials. After about an hour, she was cleared to board her British Airways flight.

Immigration authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.