The long-standing standoff between embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central and Senate President Godswill Akpabio appears to be easing, as the National Assembly has reopened her office in the Senate wing.
On Tuesday, security personnel and the Sergeant-at-Arms unsealed her office, marking a major step toward her resumption of duties after months of suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended in March 2025 for six months following a heated protest over her reassigned seat, had remained locked out of her office despite a Federal High Court ruling that described the suspension as unconstitutional. Justice Binta Nyako had ordered her reinstatement, stressing that prolonged suspension deprived her constituents of representation.
Although her suspension officially lapsed in September, continued legal wrangling and opposition from Senate leadership delayed her return. Sources within the National Assembly disclosed that Senate leaders have now agreed to facilitate her resumption when plenary reconvenes on October 7.
It was gathered that a motion of apology, expected to be moved by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, may serve as the final step before her full restoration.
Her legal team had earlier threatened contempt proceedings against the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, for failing to facilitate her return. Ogunlana, however, maintained that only the Senate leadership, not his office, had the authority to act.
With her office now unsealed, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is poised to make a comeback to the Red Chamber, signaling the possible end of a bitter political impasse that has kept her away from legislative activities for over half a year.
