‘Subjudiced’: Natasha’s Appeal delays her Resumption

The Nigerian Senate has formally declined Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to resume legislative duties, stating that her six-month suspension remains in force pending the outcome of a Court of Appeal case instituted against the Senate by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a letter signed by Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, the Senate acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intended return on September 4, 2025—the date she claimed marked the end of her suspension. However, the Senate clarified that her suspension took effect on March 6, 2025, and emphasized that the matter is still sub judice (under judicial consideration).

The Senate insists that no administrative action can be taken until the Court of Appeal delivers a verdict.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March 2025 following a Senate resolution.
The letter stated that the Senate would only review her suspension after the court’s pronouncement.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,”* the letter read.

Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from acts of gross misconduct and defiance of the Senate Standing Order, which was affirmed by the Federal High Court Abuja, thus prompting her appeal against the court ruling.