Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday returned to plenary for the first time since completing her six-month suspension over alleged misconduct.
Her office, which had been sealed during the suspension, was reopened on September 23 by the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, clearing the way for her comeback.
The Kogi Central lawmaker arrived at the Senate chamber around noon, shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio took over proceedings from his deputy, Barau Jibrin, who began the day’s session at 11:15 a.m.
Dressed in an elegant white outfit, matching headgear, and a flowing veil complemented by black sunglasses, Akpoti-Uduaghan quietly took her seat in the minority aisle. She was warmly greeted by several colleagues, including Senators Seriake Dickson, Ogoshi Onawo, Gbenga Daniel, and Samaila Dahuwa, who exchanged handshakes with her.
Despite her return, the Senate made no official mention of her resumption during plenary.
Speaking with journalists afterward, Akpoti-Uduaghan declared that she had no apologies to tender, insisting her return symbolized the resilience of her people and their defiance against intimidation.
She said: “My attendance at plenary today is a testament to the resilience of the good people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large—their courage to resist every unscrupulous intimidation. Our victory is the people’s and God’s. I recommit myself to continued service to my constituents and country while trusting the courts to be fair and swift in adjudicating the matters before them.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following her outburst over the reassignment of her seat on February 20.
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