Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, officially returned to the Senate on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, marking the end of her six-month suspension .
The lawmaker was seen entering the chamber at 11:42 a.m., smiling and exchanging pleasantries with colleagues as the Senate resumed plenary after a 10-week recess . She was accompanied by a group of activists and loyalists, including the prominent civil rights advocate Aisha Yesufu, who was spotted in the public gallery, though some other supporters were not allowed entry .
Context of the Suspension and Return
Her return concludes a contentious chapter that began in March 2025. The Senate suspended her for six months over allegations of “unruly and disruptive” conduct during a protest about the reassignment of her seat. Interestingly, she returned to the same seat she vowed not to sit.
However, the suspension was widely perceived as retaliation for her public accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which he has denied .
During her suspension, her office was locked and her security detail and allowances were withdrawn . The path for her return was cleared when her office was unsealed on September 23 by the Sergeant-at-Arms department . Upon regaining access, she had criticized Akpabio’s leadership, calling him a “dictator” .
A Broader Political Controversy
The allegation and suspension ignited a national debate on gender and power in Nigerian politics .
· Allegations and Denials: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances, including insinuating that she should “take care of him” to get her motions favorable consideration . A petition she filed was dismissed on procedural grounds .
· Public and Institutional Reaction: The case drew comments from figures like former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who called for a transparent investigation . It also sparked protests by her supporters under the banner “We are all Natasha,” with women’s rights groups condemning her suspension as an effort to silence her.