Suspended Senator Natasha Returns, Labels Akpabio a “Dictator” as Senate Delays Resumption

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central on Tuesday resumed legislative duties at the National Assembly after months of suspension, openly describing Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a “dictator.”

Her return followed the official unsealing of her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms. In a defiant tone, Akpoti-Uduaghan declared she had “no apology to tender,” insisting she would not bow to what she called injustice and political intimidation.

“It is unfortunate that the National Assembly is being run by such a dictator. Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am, yet he treated me like a servant. This is unacceptable,” she said, while thanking her constituents, supporters, and family for standing by her during the suspension.

The lawmaker was suspended on March 6, 2025, after protesting the reassignment of her seat, and barred from Senate activities for six months. Although the suspension formally ended in September, legal wrangling and Senate leadership resistance delayed her return until Tuesday. A July 4 Federal High Court ruling had declared her suspension unconstitutional.

It remains uncertain whether she will be allowed to sit with colleagues when plenary resumes on October 7. The Senate had earlier shifted its resumption from September 23, with leadership citing adjustments around Independence Day celebrations. The latest postponement has extended the chamber’s recess to over two months, delaying debates on key motions and oversight matters.