The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has returned to the National Assembly after serving a six-month suspension imposed earlier in the year.
Her return coincided with the resumption of plenary on Tuesday following a 10-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the session.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who appeared cheerful as she walked into the chamber, was accompanied by a few supporters and activists, including Aisha Yesufu, who was seen observing proceedings from the gallery.
The lawmaker’s return brings to an end months of controversy that followed her suspension in March 2025 for alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat by the Senate President on February 20.
Following the suspension, her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing had been sealed since March 6, 2025. It was recently reopened by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, paving the way for her reinstatement.
Two weeks ago, after regaining access to her office, Akpoti-Uduaghan described Senate President Akpabio as a “dictator,” accusing the leadership of the upper chamber of intolerance toward dissenting voices.
Tuesday’s plenary recorded a full attendance of lawmakers, signaling a complete return to legislative business after the recess.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been vocal on issues of transparency and governance, had earlier vowed to continue representing the interests of her constituents despite political challenges.
