Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, on Tuesday made a return to the Senate after serving a six-month suspension.
Her comeback coincided with the resumption of plenary following a 10-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the session.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen smiling as she made her way into the chamber, exchanging pleasantries with colleagues before settling into her seat.
She was accompanied by a few supporters and human rights activist Aisha Yesufu, who was spotted observing proceedings from the gallery. Some other loyalists, however, were reportedly denied entry into the chamber.
Her return brings an end to a six-month disciplinary action that had drawn intense public debate earlier in the year.
The Senate suspended her in March 2025 over alleged misconduct during her protest against the reallocation of her seat by Senate President Akpabio on February 20.
Tuesday’s plenary saw a strong turnout of lawmakers, signaling the Senate’s full return to legislative business after the long break.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reappearance on the floor is expected to rekindle discussions on parliamentary discipline, gender representation, and political fairness within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
