The Nigerian Senate reconvened on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, ending a 10-week annual recess that temporarily halted legislative proceedings.
The plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, drew a full house of senators, signaling a strong restart to parliamentary activities despite the absence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
One of the session’s most notable moments was the return of embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, who rejoined her colleagues after serving a six-month suspension.
Her reappearance drew attention across political circles, symbolizing a test of institutional discipline and personal resilience within the upper chamber.
The National Assembly had initially adjourned on July 24 for its annual legislative break, a standard practice allowing lawmakers to balance national duties with constituency work.
The recess was supposed to last two months, with sessions originally scheduled to resume on September 23.
However, the resumption was postponed by two weeks, pushing the Senate’s return to October 7.
During the break, standing and ad hoc committees were encouraged to continue oversight and finalize pending reports, an indication that legislative business never fully stops, even when the chamber itself is quiet.
Tuesday’s session also witnessed a symbolic gesture of global awareness as some senators arrived dressed in Palestinian colours.
The move reflected solidarity with the Palestinian cause and highlighted how Nigerian lawmakers occasionally use the floor to express alignment with international humanitarian issues.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reentry marks the end of a turbulent six-month period following her suspension in March for alleged violations of Senate rules. The decision was widely criticized by civil society organizations and opposition figures, who described it as politically motivated.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker had challenged her suspension in court in July, though her initial attempt to resume duties failed as the Senate leadership insisted on awaiting the court’s final ruling.
Nevertheless, her suspension officially lapsed in September, clearing the way for her formal return.
Her office, locked since March, was finally reopened on September 23 by Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
The reopening was seen as a precursor to her comeback and an administrative acknowledgment of the end of her suspension period.
“For me, I am glad to be here,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said as she re-entered Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing for the first time in six months. “Even though we had been illegally suspended, no day have I hesitated in effectively carrying out my duties as the senator of Kogi Central to the very best of my capacity,” she added, underscoring her defiance and commitment to representation.
As plenary resumes, lawmakers are expected to revisit key economic and legislative priorities, including the 2026 budget framework, pending bills, and oversight functions.
Natasha’s return adds fresh energy to a chamber balancing politics, policy, and public scrutiny as it enters a decisive legislative phase.
