By Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The National Assembly has officially reopened the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Her office, located at Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing of the National Assembly complex, was unsealed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, by officials from the Sergeant-at-Arms department, assisted by security personnel.
The office had been locked since March 6, 2025, following her suspension from the Senate. At the time, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was barred from legislative duties for six months after protesting the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio—a move the Senate leadership deemed misconduct.
In a video shared on Tuesday, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, was seen removing the red seal from the office door.
“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” he declared, before stepping aside for security personnel to complete the process.
Although her suspension officially expired in September, Akpoti-Uduaghan had been unable to resume her legislative duties due to ongoing legal disputes and resistance from the Senate leadership.
On July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled her suspension unconstitutional and excessive, affirming her right to resume parliamentary activities. Following the judgment, she formally notified the Senate of her readiness to return, but her request was initially denied, and her office remained sealed until Tuesday’s development.
It is not yet clear whether the unsealing of the office restores her full access to Senate facilities or her right to participate in plenary sessions. As of press time, the Senate has not issued an official resolution confirming her reinstatement.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has consistently maintained that her suspension was politically motivated, is now expected to push for full reinstatement when the Senate reconvenes on October 7.
Her return is likely to reignite debates within the 10th Senate regarding the limits of parliamentary disciplinary powers, especially when applied to elected lawmakers.
About Author
