Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Explains Delay in Returning to Senate After Court Victory

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the embattled representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District, has addressed her delayed return to the Nigerian Senate, citing legal advice and a desire to respect procedural protocols.

In a recent interview with African Independent Television (AIT), she explained that although a court declared her suspension "harsh and unlawful," she has chosen to wait for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling before making her next move.

Despite announcing she would resume legislative duties on Tuesday, the senator held back, citing legal caution:

“I’m waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgment. That’s the proper thing to do before taking further action,” she said.

A legal opinion dated July 5, reportedly authored by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, noted that while the court criticized the suspension, the verdict does not explicitly compel the Senate to reinstate her.

Natasha defended her active role outside of the Red Chamber, stating she remained committed to her constituents through:

• Delivering constituency projects

• Continuing work on her "Gold Reserve Bill"

• Engaging local communities and stakeholders

“I remained active throughout. These are personal initiatives—I was hoping to finish the gold bill and move on to others like lithium and red mineral legislation. I can’t simply hand them over to others,” she said.

Her planned return created visible tension at the National Assembly, with an unusual security presence and extensive vehicle checks observed at the entrance.

Observers noted an increase in operational vehicles and law enforcement activity, underscoring the political sensitivity of her possible reentry.

Despite legal uncertainty, Natasha remains resolute.

“I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up,” she affirmed.

She pledged to continue serving Kogi Central and Nigeria as a whole—whether from within the Senate or outside it.

“I’m committed to fulfilling my mandate, and I won’t let protocol or politics derail that,” she added.