Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has resumed legislative duties following the unsealing of her Senate office, firmly rejecting any conditions tied to her return, including a reported demand for a public apology to Senate leadership.
Speaking to journalists on her first day back at the National Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as a product of “illegality and fraud” and warned that Nigeria’s democracy was being threatened by what she called “a culture of impunity and dictatorship” in the legislature.
“I have resumed work, but I must state clearly that I have not been officially informed regarding the reopening of my office,” she said.
“The last correspondence I received from the Clerk of the National Assembly stated that I would not be allowed access due to a pending matter at the Court of Appeal. It is important to clarify the terms under which this office has now been reopened.”
Reports had indicated that her reinstatement came with conditions, including a motion for her to apologise upon resumption. She dismissed such demands outright.
“Apologise for what, exactly? You cannot apologise for an injustice,” she said, alleging that her suspension was based on a fraudulent document originating from the Senate President’s office.
Akpoti-Uduaghan sharply criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of treating her “like a domestic servant” rather than a duly elected senator.
“Senator Akpabio is not more of a Nigerian than I am. He is not the governor of this place. The way he treated me is unfortunate and unacceptable. After so many years of democracy, the National Assembly should not be run like a private estate,” she declared.
The lawmaker vowed to continue advocating for her constituents and defending democratic values ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If apology is the price for reopening my office, then we have a long dance ahead. But let it be clear: no one is above the law — not even the Senate President,” she said.
She detailed the challenges she faced during her suspension, including attempts to recall her, road blockades in Kogi, smear campaigns, and physical obstructions that at one point forced her to travel by helicopter.
Despite these hurdles, she said she remained active in seeking jobs, infrastructure, and development for Kogi Central.
In an emotional close, the senator thanked her constituents, civil society organisations, legal professionals, political leaders, and the media for their support.
She also expressed gratitude to her husband and family for standing by her throughout the ordeal.
“I believe it was this collective pressure that forced the Senate leadership to soften its stance,” she said.
