The National Assembly has stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi Central, from resuming her duties, despite her claims that her six-month suspension had ended.

On September 4, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally notified the Assembly leadership of her intention to return to plenary. However, in a response signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, she was informed that her suspension remains valid because the matter is still pending at the Court of Appeal.

Her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, followed a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements during a plenary session. Dissatisfied with the decision, the Senator challenged her suspension in court. While the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the Senate, she has since taken the matter to the appellate court.

According to the National Assembly, no administrative step can be taken until the judicial process is concluded. The Clerk stressed that the suspension will not be reviewed until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was assured that she would be officially notified once the case is resolved. The Assembly’s letter read in part:

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption.”