Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was barred from entering the National Assembly complex on Tuesday, despite a valid court ruling reinstating her after a six-month suspension.
The lawmaker, who was earlier suspended by the Senate in 2024, had secured a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako, nullifying the suspension and affirming her right to resume legislative duties.
However, on arrival at the National Assembly complex, Akpoti-Uduaghan was stopped by security officials and denied entry, prompting strong reactions from the senator.
“This Is Contempt of Court” – Akpoti-Uduaghan Slams Akpabio-Led Senate
Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the action as a clear contempt of court by the Senate leadership under President Godswill Akpabio.
“Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution,” she said. “I got my legitimacy as a senator from the people of Kogi who voted me into office.”
She emphasized that despite the Senate’s appeal of the court decision, the order remains valid until overturned by a higher court.
“That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a statement being made. It’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to be in contempt of a court decision. It’s quite ironic that they are lawmakers,” she added.
“Suspension Was Fraudulent” – Senator Questions Senate’s Motive
Akpoti-Uduaghan also challenged the legitimacy of her original suspension, describing the documentation behind it as “faulty” and lacking due process.
“Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty.”
Legal Steps to Follow
The embattled senator revealed that she would consult with her legal team and head to the appellate court for further action and constitutional interpretation of the unfolding events.
“Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation into what just happened. I’m a law-abiding citizen,” she stated.
As of the time of this report, Senate leadership has yet to issue any official statement regarding the court ruling or the decision to bar Akpoti-Uduaghan from the premises.
