THE political drama at the National Assembly took a new turn on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central stormed her office to formally resume legislative duties, just hours after it was unsealed by Assembly officials.
News Point Nigeria reports that the office, located at Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, had been sealed for six months following her suspension by the Senate in March over alleged violations of its standing rules.
On Tuesday morning, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, led the official reopening of the office, ceremonially declaring: “To unseal Senator Natasha Akpoti’s office, I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office.”
The unlocking of the door symbolically restored the senator’s access to the National Assembly complex, paving the way for her long-awaited return.
Within hours, Senator Natasha resumed work, but remained resolute in her defiance. Addressing aides and reporters, she stated firmly that she would not apologise to the Senate leadership, insisting her suspension was politically motivated.
“I owe no apology. My ordeal was not about rules, but about silencing a woman who dared to speak up. I will not be intimidated,” she declared.
Her suspension recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions had stripped her of office privileges, aides, and salaries.
The move drew widespread criticism from civil society organisations, rights activists, and opposition figures, who accused the Senate of overreach and authoritarian conduct.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the suspension in court, claiming it was linked to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation the Senate has strongly denied and dismissed.
In July, she sought to force her way back into plenary but was rebuffed, with the Senate leadership insisting that the matter was sub judice.
Her suspension officially expired in September, but in a reply to her letter of intent to resume, the Senate maintained that only a Court of Appeal decision could fully resolve the dispute.
By resuming unbowed on Tuesday, Natasha has positioned herself as a symbol of political resistance.
Supporters say her ordeal reflects the gendered and political struggles faced by outspoken women in Nigerian politics, while critics argue she breached internal rules and should face consequences.
What is clear, however, is that her return is likely to rekindle tensions in the Red Chamber, especially as the court battle continues.
For now, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is back in her office, back on the Senate floor, and back in the headlines—not with an apology, but with renewed determination to fight.
