Nigeria’s National Assembly, the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has been officially unsealed, signaling a potential end to her extended absence from legislative duties.
The unsealing took place early Tuesday morning, carried out by the Sergeant-at-Arms alongside security personnel.
This move comes after intense internal and external pressures on the Senate leadership to reinstate the lawmaker following the conclusion of her six-month suspension period.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s troubles began in March 2025 when the Senate imposed the suspension, citing alleged misconduct during a heated exchange over her seating arrangement, which she claimed was unfairly changed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in February.
Although the penalty officially expired in September 2025, her attempts to return were initially blocked due to lingering legal disputes and resistance from Senate officials.
Just last week, the senator formally notified the upper chamber of her intent to resume work, but the request was turned down at the time.
Now, with the office reopened, sources indicate that discussions among principal officers on Monday highlighted deep divisions: some advocated for her immediate comeback, while others insisted on conditions like a formal apology or even prolonging the exclusion until a Court of Appeal ruling.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu offered a brief comment on the matter, noting that the action simply reverses the prior sealing without elaborating further.
A video circulating among media outlets captured Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, executing the order, where he stated he was acting on direct instructions from Senate leaders to remove the seal from Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing.
The case has drawn widespread criticism, with legal experts labeling the initial suspension as overly harsh.
A Federal High Court ruling earlier described it as excessive, and prominent figures like constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome have called it a blow to democratic representation, emphasizing that it unfairly penalizes an entire constituency over one individual’s actions.
Fellow legal advocate Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa echoed these sentiments, urging a swift resolution.
Women’s rights groups and civil society organizations have ramped up calls for not only her full reinstatement but also a thorough investigation into her separate claims of harassment against the Senate President—allegations the Senate has firmly denied as unrelated to the disciplinary measures.
Observers suggest this episode tests the boundaries of parliamentary rules, accountability, and the protection of elected officials’ rights.
With the office now accessible, Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to step back into her role soon, though the final outcome may hinge on upcoming judicial decisions or further Senate deliberations.
This unfolding situation underscores broader concerns about how internal Senate conflicts can impact public representation in Nigeria’s legislature.
