Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has confirmed she will return to the National Assembly later this month following the completion of her six-month suspension.
Her lawyer revealed that the lawmaker, who has been on vacation in London, is prepared to rejoin her colleagues when the Senate resumes on September 23.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 over allegations of insubordination after she reportedly refused to change her designated seat during plenary. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions recommended her suspension, which came with severe sanctions — including the loss of her aides, office access, and salary.
However, the senator has consistently maintained that her punishment was politically motivated, linking it to her sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which was dismissed by the Senate.
During her suspension, she challenged the penalty in court and secured a ruling in her favour. Despite this, the Senate leadership insisted she would remain suspended until the full six months elapsed. Her earlier attempt to return in July was blocked by security operatives, even as supporters gathered outside the Assembly in solidarity.
Speaking on her planned resumption, her lawyer said:
“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption.
We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all. Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise.”
With her suspension officially expired on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to reclaim her seat as the Senate reconvenes.
