The Nigerian Senate has rejected claims that embattled lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has been legally reinstated to resume her legislative duties, insisting that no court order mandates her return to the Red Chamber.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ahead of the Senate’s resumption of plenary on Tuesday, the upper chamber clarified its position on the July 4 ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The ruling followed a suit filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her suspension from the Senate.
Addressing the matter, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated that contrary to public speculation, the court ruling did not contain any directive compelling the Senate to reinstate the suspended lawmaker.
“The attention of the Senate has been drawn to a letter dated July 11, 2025, from the law firm of Numa S.A.N. & Co., acting on behalf of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Adaramodu said. “The letter, addressed to the leadership of the National Assembly, claims that the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako constitutes a binding order for the Senator’s recall to the chamber on July 15. This interpretation is incorrect.”
He added that the Certified True Copy of the court’s enrolled order made no express or injunctive statement mandating her return before the expiration of her suspension. According to Adaramodu, Justice Nyako merely offered advisory comments regarding the suspension’s length, which do not amount to a binding legal directive.
“The court did not invalidate the Senate’s disciplinary powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Therefore, there is currently no legal basis upon which Senator Natasha can resume her duties,” he added.
However, the Senate spokesperson noted that the upper chamber would consider the court’s judgment in detail and reach a constitutionally guided decision, which would be communicated in due course to both the Senator and the public.
“The Senate remains committed to upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary,” Adaramodu stressed. “But it will not permit any premature or misleading interpretations of legal proceedings to undermine its internal processes or institutional integrity.”
As of now, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended, pending further deliberation by the Senate.
