Updated: Supporters March With Senator Natasha As National Assembly Unseals Her Office

A crowd of supporters from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp gathered on Tuesday, September 23, to celebrate the unsealing of her office at the National Assembly. The group marched toward the Assembly complex in a show of solidarity after accompanying the senator from the FCT High Court, where she appeared in a case of alleged defamation filed against her by the Federal Government.

The suit, instituted on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, remains ongoing, but the unsealing of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office signals a step toward her return to legislative duties.

Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was unsealed by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms. The action potentially paves the way for the Kogi Central senator to resume her duties in the Red Chamber when plenary reconvenes on October 7, 2025.

Six Months After Suspension, Senator Prepares to Return

The office had been locked for six months following Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March over alleged violations of the Senate’s standing rules. Her suspension triggered widespread criticism, particularly from civil society organizations and opposition politicians, who condemned the action as heavy-handed.

In July, she approached the court seeking to resume her duties but was initially unsuccessful. Upon completing her suspension earlier this month, the senator formally notified the Senate of her intention to return.

While acknowledging her letter, the Senate clarified that no administrative action would be taken until the ongoing court process concludes. “The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the Senate’s response read in part.

Her six-month suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, will only be reviewed after a decision from the Court of Appeal, meaning her official return depends on the judicial outcome.

The unsealing of her office, however, has provided an opportunity for her supporters to publicly demonstrate their backing, reinforcing her position and signaling her readiness to resume duties as the legal process unfolds.

Read also: Earlier report on Natasha’s office unsealing