A fresh political clash is brewing in the Nigerian Senate as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has declared her intention to return to plenary, following a court ruling that overturned her six-month suspension.
Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, announced in a viral video that she would resume legislative duties today (Tuesday), thanking her supporters and declaring victory after the Federal High Court ruling in Abuja last Friday.
“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she told her jubilant supporters.
Her suspension in March 2025 came after a heated Senate session during which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The decision was widely criticised by civil society groups as undemocratic and oppressive.
However, the Senate leadership, through its spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said it would not act on the court judgment until it officially receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling.
“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position,” Adaramodu said in a Sunday statement.
The Federal High Court declared the Senate’s suspension of Senator Natasha excessive and unconstitutional. It ruled that the action infringed on the rights of her constituents to be represented. The court also ordered the Senate to recall her immediately.
However, Justice Binta Nyako also found Natasha guilty of contempt for a satirical Facebook post she made during the legal process. The post, directed at Senate President Akpabio, was ruled a breach of the court’s gag order. She was fined ₦5 million and ordered to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
As of Monday evening, the apology had not been published.
The Senate now faces a potential standoff if Natasha attempts to enter the chamber without official reinstatement. The outcome may test the balance between legislative authority and judicial oversight, as political tensions continue to rise ahead of the 2027 general elections.