The National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, signaling a potential resolution to her protracted suspension. The office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was officially reopened by the Sergeant-at-Arms and security personnel on a Tuesday morning. This action follows months of legal and political disputes that have kept the senator from her legislative duties.
The Suspension and Its Aftermath
The office had been sealed since March 6, 2025, following the senator’s suspension from the Senate. Her suspension came after she protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20. The original six-month suspension, which barred her from all legislative activities, officially ended in September 2025. However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was unable to resume her duties due to a series of legal battles and continued resistance from the Senate leadership.
Legal Intervention and Ongoing Uncertainty
A major turning point in the saga was the Federal High Court in Abuja’s ruling on July 4, which declared the suspension "excessive and unconstitutional." Following the court's decision, the senator formally notified the Senate of her readiness to return, but her request was initially denied.
The recent unsealing of her office was captured in a video where Alabi Adedeji, the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, was seen removing the red seal from the door. He declared, "I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you."
Despite this positive development, it remains uncertain whether the action grants her full access to the office and other parts of the National Assembly complex. The Senate has yet to issue a formal resolution on her reinstatement, leaving her status ambiguous. It is also unclear if she will be able to join her colleagues when the plenary session resumes on October 7.
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