The Nigerian Senate has turned down Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intent to return to legislative duties, insisting there is no legal ground for her resumption at the moment. This development comes despite a Federal High Court ruling which nullified her six-month suspension from the Senate.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended in March 2025 over allegations of misconduct. However, in a ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, the court described the suspension as “excessive” and a breach of the senator’s constitutional rights.
After the court’s verdict, her legal counsel, led by Michael Numa (SAN), forwarded a letter dated July 11, 2025, to the Clerk of the National Assembly, stating that she intended to resume duties on July 15, 2025.
But in a response dated July 14 and addressed to her lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN, the Senate insisted that no court order was issued on July 4, 2025, by Justice Binta Nyako compelling either the Senate, its President, or the National Assembly to act. The letter, obtained by Chronicles Reporters, was titled: “RE: SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN V. CNA & 3ORS – FORWARDING OF COURT ORDER AND DEMAND FOR COMPLIANCE”. It was signed by Charles Yoila, Esq., Director of Litigation and Counselling, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly.
In the Senate’s view, the judgment only offered a declaratory stance, suggesting that the defendants “may” choose to allow Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan resume duties to represent her constituents. There was no specific, enforceable order mandating her reinstatement.
The Senate’s letter further advised her legal team to counsel her to await a decision by the Senate to act on the recommendation of the court in line with the judgment delivered.
Speaking on the matter, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the Certified True Copy of the court’s Enrolled Order contained no clear instruction directing the Senate to reinstate her.
“There was no express or mandatory order within the judgment directing the recall or reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Adaramodu clarified.
The Senate maintained that, as things stand, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan lacks the legal authority to return to legislative duties.
Nonetheless, her legal team had earlier contended in their letter that the judgment is binding under Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution, insisting that she must be reinstated without delay. They also emphasized that the court acknowledged the Senate’s authority to facilitate her return to continue representing her constituency.
Still, the senator’s comeback remains in limbo as the upper chamber of the National Assembly stands firm in its position that the court ruling does not grant an automatic right to resume.
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