The Senate has advised suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to stay away from its proceedings, insisting that she cannot resume duties until her suspension officially ends.
This was made known in a statement on Sunday by the Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who said there is no valid court order directing the immediate recall of the Kogi Central lawmaker.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after a heated clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a seat arrangement dispute. The controversy intensified when she accused Akpabio of sexual misconduct—an allegation he firmly denied.
Following a recent Federal High Court judgment by Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan announced her intention to return to plenary on Tuesday, July 22, claiming the ruling favoured her.
However, Adaramodu clarified that the judgment did not contain any clear or binding directive ordering the Senate to recall her.
“There is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” he said. “Any attempt by her to storm the Senate under a false claim would be premature and a violation of due process.”
He added that the Senate remains a law-abiding institution and will act in accordance with legal advice and its internal rules. The Senate, he said, will consider the court’s advisory opinion at the appropriate time and communicate its decision to the lawmaker.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed an appeal and a motion for stay against the Senate’s earlier disciplinary action.