NBA Urges Senate to Reinstate Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Senate to act honourably by allowing the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to resume her legislative duties.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), told newsmen on Wednesday that although the matter is still before the courts, Akpoti-Uduaghan should be allowed to return since the six-month suspension period has elapsed.

The senator was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. The committee found that she violated Senate rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary. The suspension stripped her of her salary, aides and office privileges.

Following the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court and later filed an appeal against the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako. After serving her suspension period, she prepared to return to the Senate. However, in a letter dated September 4, 2025, the acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed her that the suspension would remain in force until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on her suit.

The letter read: “The matter remains sub judice and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”

The NBA disagreed with this stance, insisting that the pendency of a court case should not prevent her return. Osigwe stressed that the suspension had run its course and that the Senate’s reliance on the pending appeal was unfair.

“First, the suspension was for six months. Challenging the correctness of that decision in court is separate from the expiration of the suspension period. If the suspension has ended, she can return, regardless of whether the Senate was right or wrong in suspending her. The Senate cannot use the pending appeal to deprive her of her seat once the actual suspension has ended. That is not a good position for the Senate to adopt” he explained.

He added that the Senate should allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume immediately so that her constituents would not be left without representation.

“The Senate should act honourably and allow her to resume, so that her constituents are not left unrepresented. While the court determines whether the Senate was justified in suspending her, the lapse of six months should allow her to return” Osigwe stated.

The development has sparked fresh debate about legislative accountability, the rights of elected officials and the balance between parliamentary discipline and democratic representation.