There was high drama at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday as security operatives blocked suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from entering the premises despite a court ruling she claims favours her reinstatement.
The lawmaker arrived at the gate flanked by prominent rights activist Aisha Yesufu, advocate Mama P, fellow activist Randy, and a sizable group of supporters. However, security personnel at the entrance refused to allow her through.
Aisha Yesufu, known for her fiery activism, confronted the officers and questioned the legality of their actions. “The National Assembly is meant to be for everyone. Why are you stopping us?” she challenged. “We are not abiding doesn’t mean we are cowards,” she added defiantly, as the standoff escalated. Some in the crowd began chanting “Push!” in a bid to force entry into the complex.
Speaking to journalists shortly after being denied access, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep frustration with the Senate leadership, accusing it of deliberately defying a valid court ruling.
“It’s about me, a duly elected senator walking into the chambers to resume my constitutional duties,” she said. “I had duly notified the Senate through two letters that I would be resuming functions today, July 22nd, 2025.”
She condemned the heavy security presence, describing it as excessive and intimidating. “The number of armed policemen we met outside, all well-kitted with guns, charging at an unarmed female senator, was shocking,” she remarked.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the Senate of misrepresenting the court’s decision, insisting that Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling was binding and in her favour.
“There’s been some conversations in the media… trying to twist a narrative that the judge did not order my reinstatement,” she noted. “But Section 318 and Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution make it clear that court decisions—whether in the form of a recommendation, order, or decree—are binding on every authority in Nigeria, including the National Assembly.”
She further refuted reports suggesting that the Senate had appealed the judgment, clarifying that the appeal was filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his personal capacity, not by the Senate or its relevant committees.
“It is clear that it is not the National Assembly, neither is it the Senate. It’s Senator Akpabio himself,” she stated. “That means Akpabio has taken the National Assembly, the Senate, the Clerk, and the Committee to court as well.”
On leaving the premises, Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to continue pursuing legal redress over the incident and the Senate’s refusal to reinstate her.
