Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was on Tuesday stopped from entering the Senate chambers, sparking a fresh constitutional confrontation at the National Assembly.
The lawmaker, whose six‑month suspension was recently overturned by a Federal High Court, accused the leadership of the Senate of openly defying the judiciary.
“The Senate has become lawbreakers,” she declared.
Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s attempt to resume her legislative duties followed a July 4, 2025 Federal High Court judgment that ruled her suspension unconstitutional and excessive.
The court ordered her reinstatement, a decision she said she formally notified the Senate about through two letters ahead of her planned resumption on Tuesday, July 22.
Speaking to journalists outside the National Assembly, she reaffirmed her mandate from her constituents:
“It’s about me and a duly elected senator walking into the chambers to resume my constituted duties as I was elected and mandated by the good people of Kogi Central and INEC.”
Her return was met by a heavy security presence.
“It’s unfortunate that we got in today, which is the 22nd of July, 2025, having duly notified the Senate through two letters that I will be resuming functions today.
“As a matter of fact, I’m disappointed on two grounds. One is the number of armed policemen that we met outside, you know, all well kitted with guns, charged at a female senator who is unarmed.
“The second thing is the fact that the Senate, under the leadership of Akpabio, of course, has decided to become law breakers, and by denying me entrance into the chambers to resume my team.”
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Addressing what she described as attempts by Senate officials to “twist a narrative,” Akpoti‑Uduaghan explained that the Constitution gives broad effect to court decisions.
Quoting Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution, she noted that a court’s “decision” includes “judicial decrees, sentences, convictions, and recommendations,” not just orders.
She stressed that even if the ruling were considered a recommendation, it remains binding under the law.
She further cited Section 287(3) of the Constitution, which states that “decisions… of any court” are binding on “every authority.”
Akpoti‑Uduaghan also displayed documents to journalists to counter claims of an appeal by the Senate.
“It is clear that it is not the National Assembly, nor is it the Senate. It’s [Senator Akpabio] himself… The National Assembly has not appealed that judgment. The Senate has not appealed the judgment.”
She further disclosed that Senator Akpabio personally joined the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Ethics Committee as respondents in his appeal, a move she suggested highlights a legal rift within the Senate leadership itself.