Breaking: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Regains Access to National Assembly Office

The prolonged standoff between embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central (PDP), and Senate President Godswill Akpabio appears to be easing, as her previously sealed office at the National Assembly has now been reopened.

On Tuesday, personnel from the Sergeant-at-Arms unit, alongside security operatives, unsealed Office 205 in the Senate wing, granting Akpoti-Uduaghan full access to her workspace and the National Assembly premises.

The development paves the way for the lawmaker, who was suspended in March for six months over alleged misconduct, to potentially resume her legislative duties when the Senate reconvenes on October 7, 2025.

According to sources, the move followed a Senate leadership meeting where it was agreed that a motion would be raised to facilitate her return. Barring changes, Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) is expected to table the motion, which will include an apology requirement before her reinstatement is formalized.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a former Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, was suspended after protesting the reassignment of her seat during plenary on February 20. Her suspension, which ended in September, had sparked controversy, with a Federal High Court describing it as “excessive and unconstitutional.”

Despite the court ruling, the Senate had initially denied her access, insisting she must serve the full suspension period. Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Michael Jonathan Numa, had threatened contempt proceedings if she was not recalled.