The Senate has directed Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain absent from its sessions, stating that the suspended senator is not yet eligible to return.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu maintained that there is no existing court directive requiring the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before her suspension period ends.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for breaching Senate rules following a dispute over seat arrangements involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual misconduct — an allegation Akpabio has denied.
Citing a recent ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the suspended senator declared her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
However, Adaramodu countered that the court’s decision did not include any explicit or binding directive compelling the Senate to lift her suspension ahead of schedule.
Adaramodu said, “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.
“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 the integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate the disruption of its proceedings.
“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.”