The Nigerian Senate reconvenes today, October 7, 2025, after nearly three months of annual recess, amid heightened security and growing curiosity over the fate of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The upper legislative chamber had adjourned plenary on July 24 to embark on its annual break, originally scheduled to end on September 23. However, the resumption was postponed to October 7, following an internal memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is expected to make a return to the chamber today after serving a six-month suspension imposed on March 6 over alleged misconduct and defiance of the Senate’s sitting arrangements during a February 20 plenary session.
Although Senate leadership had hinted that her suspension could be lifted earlier if she tendered a written apology, the outspoken lawmaker declined to do so. Instead, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment — a development that triggered multiple legal battles during her suspension.
Following the completion of her suspension, Natasha’s office — Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing — was reopened on September 23. However, uncertainty still surrounds her official reinstatement, as the Senate is expected to decide her status during today’s plenary.
In anticipation of possible unrest, security has been intensified within and around the National Assembly complex. This follows warnings issued on Sunday by the management of the National Assembly against protests or picketing by staff.
Members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) had earlier threatened to embark on an industrial action over unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting workers in the legislature.
As plenary resumes, all eyes remain on how the Senate leadership will handle the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan controversy — a case that has polarized public opinion and drawn attention to internal politics within the red chamber.
