Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has officially returned to the Senate after completing a six-month suspension.
She was seen smiling and waving as she joined her colleagues in the chamber on Tuesday, when the Senate resumed plenary after a 10-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding.
Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly accompanied by a few supporters and activists, including Aisha Yesufu, who was spotted in the public gallery. Others, however, were not granted access to the chamber.
The senator walked to her seat and exchanged greetings with some of her colleagues before the session began. Her return officially brings to an end the controversial suspension that sparked widespread public debate earlier this year.
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She was suspended in March 2025 for allegedly breaching Senate rules during her protest over the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio on February 20. Following the suspension, her office—located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing—was sealed on March 6, but was recently reopened by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, paving the way for her comeback.
Just two weeks ago, after gaining access to her office again, Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of being a “dictator.”
Tuesday’s plenary saw a full turnout of lawmakers, signaling the Senate’s complete return to legislative duties.
