ABUJA, FCT – July 20, 2025 – The Nigerian Senate has delivered a firm directive to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), instructing her to remain away from its proceedings despite her declaration to resume duties on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The Senate insists there is no subsisting court order that mandates her recall before her current suspension expires.
Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu issued a statement on Sunday, asserting that the recent Federal High Court judgment, which the suspended lawmaker is relying on, “did not contain any positive or mandatory order directing the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan prior to the end of her suspension.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for allegedly violating Senate rules, stemming from a public brawl over seat arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During the altercation, she accused Akpabio of sexual misconduct, an allegation the Senate President vehemently denied.
Despite her suspension, the lawmaker recently vowed to resume Senate proceedings, citing a judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
However, Adaramodu countered forcefully, stating, “It is therefore surprising and legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while on appeal and having filed a motion for stay against the valid and binding orders made against her, is attempting to act upon an imaginary order of recall that does not exist. The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber.”
The Senate spokesman issued a stern warning: “We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process. The Senate, as a law-abiding institution, is committed to upholding the rule of law and and integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate the disruption of its proceedings.”
Adaramodu concluded by reiterating that the Senate will “at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court on both amending the Standing Orders of the Senate, her recall, and communicate same thereof to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course,” he added, firmly drawing a line in the sand regarding the contentious return.
