ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate has told Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, that she cannot resume her duties despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
In a letter dated September 4 and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notice of her intention to return on the same date.
She had argued that her suspension, imposed in March, had lapsed.
But the Senate said her suspension would remain in effect pending the outcome of a case she filed at the Court of Appeal challenging the action.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
The clerk added that the Senate would only review her suspension after the court’s pronouncement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023, has been one of the more outspoken first-term lawmakers in the chamber.
Her suspension in March followed heated disagreements with Senate leadership, though the details remain contested.
The case before the Court of Appeal will now determine whether she can reclaim her seat or remain shut out of legislative business.