The Nigerian Senate has ordered Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to stay away from its chambers until the completion of her six-month suspension, stating that the recent Federal High Court ruling in her favor does not equate to a reinstatement order. According to the Senate, the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako only advised the legislative body to review its internal disciplinary procedures but did not annul the suspension or issue any directive for her return.
Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended in March 2025 following allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior during a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The altercation, which drew national attention, led to her removal from Senate activities and later, a contempt of court charge after she defied the suspension by continuing to challenge the decision publicly.
The court ruling, which Natasha and her supporters celebrated as a victory, found no breach of her fundamental human rights and reaffirmed that the Senate acted within its constitutional authority. However, the court criticized the length and manner of the suspension and advised the Senate to review its Standing Orders to better reflect democratic norms. The judge also found Natasha guilty of contempt, ordering her to pay a ₦5 million fine and issue public apologies in two national newspapers and on her verified Facebook page. These penalties remain unfulfilled.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that no legal document or directive has been served on the Senate compelling it to recall Natasha. He further warned that any attempt by the senator to re-enter the chamber without proper authorization would be treated as a breach of legislative procedure. The Senate has released multiple statements affirming that the suspension stands and will not be overturned without compliance with the court’s penalties and the expiration of the six-month disciplinary term.
Despite public sympathy for Natasha in some quarters, the Senate insists that the law must be respected and that internal discipline within the National Assembly is not subject to external interference unless explicitly mandated by the court—which, in this case, it says has not occurred. The political standoff is expected to continue unless Natasha complies with the court ruling or until her suspension term expires.