The Nigerian Senate has reopened the office of embattled lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, signalling that her seven-month standoff with the upper chamber may be nearing resolution.
On Tuesday, security officials led by the Sergeant-at-Arms unsealed the PDP senator’s office, Room 205, in the Senate wing of the National Assembly, granting her access to the premises for the first time since her suspension in March.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was handed a six-month suspension for “misconduct” after clashing with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat. Although the ban technically expired in September, she was repeatedly denied entry to the chamber amid ongoing legal disputes.
Vanguard reports that Senate leaders agreed at a closed-door meeting this week to clear the way for her return. When the chamber reconvenes on 7 October, the Minority Leader, Abba Moro, is expected to table a motion requiring her to apologise before being fully reinstated.
The development follows months of legal wrangling. In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ruled that suspending a senator for half a year was “excessive and unconstitutional”, warning it deprived constituents of representation. However, the Senate maintained its decision until the Court of Appeal concluded the matter.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers had threatened contempt proceedings against the Clerk of the National Assembly, accusing officials of obstructing her return. The CNA, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, insisted he lacked authority to overturn Senate resolutions, saying only the chamber itself could decide her fate.
Her supporters have clashed with security in recent weeks outside the National Assembly, demanding her reinstatement. Observers say unsealing her office marks the strongest signal yet that the Senate is preparing to end the impasse.
If confirmed when lawmakers resume in October, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will be free to resume her legislative duties after one of the most contentious suspensions of the 10th Senate.
