Two days after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was prevented from returning to legislative duties, the Nigerian Senate adjourned plenary on Thursday for its annual recess, set to resume on September 23, 2025.
With the recess now underway, the embattled senator is expected to serve out the remainder of her six-month suspension during the break.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, over allegations of misconduct and defiance during a February 20 plenary session, where she rejected a reassignment to a different seat.
The Senate had warned that failure to issue a formal apology could prompt a review of her suspension.
Her punishment followed findings by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which upheld complaints against her and recommended disciplinary action.
Though the suspension was originally due to end on September 6, the Senate’s recess effectively means she will serve the full term without being able to resume before plenary reconvenes.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to re-enter the Senate chamber earlier this week, Akpoti-Uduaghan called the action a breach of due process and vowed to challenge it in court.
