Senate Unseals Natasha Akpoti’s Office Amid Ongoing Suspension Dispute‎

Senate Unseals Natasha Akpoti’s Office Amid Ongoing Suspension Dispute‎

By Abiola Adigun
Albarka 89.9 FM

The Senate has unsealed the office of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, months after her controversial suspension from the red chamber.
The office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate wing, was unlocked on Tuesday by the Sergeant-at-Arms. In a video that surfaced online, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, was seen removing the red seal from the door.
“I, Alabi Adedeji, deputy director, sergeant-at-arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” he said in the 25-second clip.
It remains unclear, however, whether the unsealing allows Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume legislative duties or access the premises of the National Assembly. Senate authorities have not yet issued a resolution clarifying her status.
The senator was suspended on March 6, 2025, for six months over alleged breaches of Senate rules. But on July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the suspension “excessive and unconstitutional.”
Despite the ruling, the National Assembly management maintained on September 9 that Akpoti-Uduaghan could not return without a fresh resolution from the Senate or a definitive court order.
Legal experts have weighed in on the development. Constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) described the Senate’s stance as “a brazen disregard for the judiciary,” insisting that “a valid court judgment stands until it is set aside.”
Civil society groups have also raised concerns. Yiaga Africa, a civic advocacy organization, warned that prolonged obstruction of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return could “erode democratic accountability” and disenfranchise Kogi Central constituents.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers have called for restraint. A ranking senator who spoke on the condition of anonymity told reporters: “This matter has dragged for too long. The court has spoken, and the Senate should act in line with the rule of law.”
As the controversy deepens, observers say the unsealing of her office may be a symbolic step, but the real test lies in whether the Senate will obey the court ruling and allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative functions.