Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has announced her intention to resume legislative duties today, July 8, 2025, following a recent Federal High Court ruling that declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional and excessive.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Natasha told cheering supporters, “I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God.”
However, the Senate leadership has pushed back, stating that it will not take any official action on her reinstatement until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s judgment2. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate’s legal team was present in court but did not hear the full judgment read aloud.
The court also found Natasha guilty of contempt for a satirical Facebook post directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, violating an earlier gag order. She was fined ₦5 million and ordered to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
Despite the legal gray area, Natasha appears determined to reclaim her seat, while the Senate braces for what could be a constitutional standoff. Civil society groups and political observers are closely watching how today’s events unfold.
