By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Senate has officially unsealed the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), restoring her access to the National Assembly complex after a six-month suspension.
According to reports, on Tuesday, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Senate’s Sergeant-at-Arms, removed the seal from Suite 2.05 of the Senate wing, the chambers assigned to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The move follows a leadership meeting held on Monday to address the lingering dispute over her office access.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on 6 March 2025 over alleged breaches of its standing orders. As part of her suspension, she was denied access to her legislative duties, salary, security, and use of her Senate office.
Despite losing certain privileges, she challenged the suspension in court. In July, a Federal High Court ruled that the sanction was “excessive and unconstitutional.”
However, Senate leadership maintained that her return to full duties awaits a resolution from the Court of Appeal.
With the unsealing of her office, there is renewed speculation that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan may resume plenary sessions when the Senate is scheduled to reconvene on 7 October 2025.
Some sources caution that while her office has been opened, it remains unclear whether she has regained full access to all Senate facilities or if additional formalities are still required.
