Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has confirmed her return to the National Assembly on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court ruling that declared her six-month suspension as excessive.
The suspension, which was enforced on March 6, 2025, stemmed from alleged misconduct involving a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. However, in a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, the court affirmed the Senate’s authority to discipline its members but criticized the length of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as “overreaching” and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation.
“A senator is elected to serve her people. While the Senate may exercise disciplinary powers, this specific action goes beyond reasonable limits,” the judge stated. Justice Nyako also directed Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay a N5 million fine for contempt of an earlier court order.
Reacting to the verdict, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed gratitude to her supporters and declared her readiness to resume her legislative duties. “I thank everyone for their unwavering support. I’m glad that justice has prevailed. By the grace of God, I’ll be back in the Senate on Tuesday,” she said.
The court ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse about legislative accountability and the limits of parliamentary disciplinary powers in Nigeria.
