Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not backing down without a fight—and now, the courts are officially involved.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has taken a major step in her legal battle against the Senate, which suspended her for six months back in March. On Monday, the court ordered everyone involved to “maintain the status quo” until the case is fully heard. In simple terms: no new moves, no enforcement, no drama—at least for now.
Natasha, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended after she raised concerns over budget allocations and alleged shady constituency projects in her state. Her outspokenness didn’t sit well with some of her colleagues, and soon after, she was shown the door—temporarily.
But she’s calling foul. Through her legal team, Natasha says her suspension was unconstitutional and a direct attempt to silence her for doing her job: speaking up for the people she represents.
“You can’t punish a senator for asking questions,” her lawyer said after the court session. “This isn’t just about Natasha—it’s about the right of her constituents to be heard.”
The Senate, on the other hand, claims she crossed the line with “unparliamentary conduct.” But many see her suspension as political, part of a larger trend of lawmakers being punished for speaking out.
With the court now involved, the case could set a powerful legal precedent. Can the Senate really sideline an elected lawmaker for six months over comments made in the chamber? That’s what the judge will have to decide.
Until then, the court has warned the Senate not to take any further action that could be seen as interfering with the case.
Though she’s still technically suspended, this court ruling is a big win for Natasha and her supporters. The next hearing is coming up soon, and all eyes are on what the judiciary decides next.