Senate Declines Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Resumption Pending Court Ruling
Abuja, Nigeria – September 8, 2025
The Nigerian Senate has formally communicated to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that it will not facilitate her resumption to the Red Chamber until ongoing legal proceedings involving her election are fully resolved in court.
In a letter addressed to the embattled lawmaker and sighted by our correspondent on Monday, the Senate stated that its decision was hinged on the pending litigation challenging her election victory, emphasizing that it would refrain from any action that could pre-empt the outcome of the judicial process.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was declared the winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election and has since been locked in a prolonged legal battle over the seat, had recently sought to resume legislative duties following a favorable ruling from an appellate court.
However, the Senate, in its communication, made it clear that it would uphold the principle of legal finality before taking further steps.
“Until the case currently before the courts is concluded, the Senate cannot act on facilitating your resumption,” the letter reportedly read.
The development has sparked fresh debate within political and legal circles over the extent of the Senate’s powers in withholding a duly declared senator from resuming office, particularly when a court has already ruled in their favor.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the delay as “a denial of democratic representation” for the people of Kogi Central and accused certain political interests of deliberately stalling her resumption.
Legal experts say the Senate’s position, while cautious, may be challenged if no court has issued a stay of execution on the previous judgment affirming her victory.
Political observers are closely watching the case, which is likely to set a precedent for future election-related disputes involving federal lawmakers.
This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.
