Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Senate reinstatement blocked as lawmaker challenges Senate’s defiance of Federal High Court ruling on her unconstitutional suspension

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Senate reinstatement has sparked a constitutional crisis after the Kogi Central Senator was denied access to the Senate chambers on Tuesday.

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This follows a Federal High Court ruling on 4 July 2025, which declared her six-month suspension unlawful and ordered her immediate return to legislative duties.

The senator, who arrived at the National Assembly on 22 July to resume work, met a heavy presence of armed security at the entrance.

Her attempt to enter was blocked, despite two formal letters notifying the Senate of her planned return.

“It’s about me and a duly elected senator walking into the chambers to resume my constituted duties as I was elected and mandated by the good people of Kogi Central and INEC,” she told reporters.

The court’s decision, which invalidated her suspension, had been widely viewed as a reaffirmation of the rule of law. But Akpoti-Uduaghan criticised the Senate’s refusal to comply.

“The Senate, under the leadership of Akpabio, have decided to become lawbreakers,” she stated. “They denied entrance into the chambers to resume my team.”

She highlighted the constitutional implications, referencing Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution to define judicial decisions.

She explained that a “decision” included recommendations and other legal pronouncements, not only orders.

Backing her argument further, she cited Section 287, Subsection 3, which obliges all authorities in Nigeria to comply with decisions of competent courts.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also addressed the Senate’s legal response, showing reporters that the appeal was not from the institution itself.

“It is clear that it is not the National Assembly, nor is it the Senate. It’s [Senator Akpabio] himself,” she revealed, pointing out that Akpabio included the Senate and the Ethics Committee in his appeal.

This move, she said, exposes internal divisions within the legislative arm.

Observers say the confrontation raises urgent concerns about legislative independence, judicial compliance, and gender representation in Nigerian politics.

Also read: Agbakoba issues second ultimatum to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to retract “False” harassment claim against Akpabio

As the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Senate reinstatement battle continues, legal and constitutional experts are watching closely.