The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has finally returned to her office at the National Assembly after it was reopened by the Senate’s Sergeant-at-Arms and a team of security operatives.
Her office had been sealed for over six months following her suspension from the Senate in March 2025 over alleged breaches of the Senate’s standing rules. This suspension came amid serious allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.
On Tuesday, there was mild drama at the National Assembly complex as Natasha arrived at about 2:30 pm in the company of her supporters. She was dressed in black, signaling her determination and seriousness about reclaiming her position.
The reopening of her office was officially announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms, who was accompanied by a combined team of security personnel. Despite this, some security officers initially resisted her entry into the main building, leading to brief tension. However, she was eventually allowed access to her office.
The Senate is currently on recess and is scheduled to resume plenary on October 7, 2025. The reopening of Natasha’s office is being seen by many political watchers as a sign that she may soon resume her official duties as a senator when the Senate returns.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and the sealing of her office triggered widespread reactions from civil society groups, opposition politicians, and human rights activists. Many condemned the Senate’s decision, viewing it as an attempt to silence a courageous lawmaker who brought forward serious allegations against one of the most powerful figures in the Senate.
In July, the suspended senator approached the courts to challenge her suspension and the sealing of her office. Although her initial attempt to return to the Senate was unsuccessful, the reopening of her office this week has raised hopes that the judiciary or other pressures may have influenced the Senate to ease her suspension or at least restore some of her privileges.
Akpoti-Uduaghan first made headlines when she publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that rocked the political establishment and sparked national debates on the treatment of women in politics.
Her suspension was officially linked to alleged violations of Senate rules, but many believe it was a reaction to her allegations and activism.
The National Assembly has in recent years faced criticism for lack of transparency and for alleged attempts to stifle dissenting voices within its ranks. Natasha’s case has become symbolic of the struggle for fairness and justice inside the corridors of power.
The senator, who is well-known for her activism and outspokenness, had remained in the political spotlight despite her suspension. Her return to the Senate building after months of exclusion signals a potential shift in her political journey.
Observers say her return may bring new energy to the Senate, especially as Nigeria prepares for important legislative sessions in the coming months.
It is not yet clear whether the Senate will lift her suspension fully or if she will be allowed to participate in plenary sessions immediately upon resumption. The leadership of the Senate is yet to make an official statement about the reopening of her office or her possible reinstatement.
For now, Natasha’s return to her office stands as a victory for her supporters and a warning that efforts to silence critics can only last so long.
Her case has also drawn attention to issues of gender-based violence and harassment within Nigeria’s political institutions, further pushing the national conversation on women’s rights in governance.
As Nigerians watch closely, the coming weeks will show whether the Senate is ready to move past this controversy and allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to fully resume her role as a representative of the people of Kogi Central.
