- Senator Natasha was blocked from entering the National Assembly.
- Activist Aisha Yesufu condemned the action as a violation of democracy.
- Natasha remains determined to reclaim her seat amid growing public support.
- The standoff highlights tensions between legislative power and judicial authority.
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the National Assembly complex in Abuja turned into a hotbed of confrontation when suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan found herself denied entry by security personnel. The lawmaker, who had promised to get back to her legislative duties after a court ruling, faced strong resistance as officials blocked her convoy, leading to her supporters chanting and a tense standoff unfolding.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing legal and political skirmish between the Senate and the beleaguered senator, whose suspension has sparked controversy since March 15.
A Defiant Return Meets Heavy Resistance
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan pulled up to the National Assembly in a black SUV, surrounded by a convoy of supporters and activists, including well-known figures like Aisha Yesufu. Although she got past the first security checkpoint, she hit a brick wall at the second gate, where officers stood their ground. The air was filled with chants of
“Na our Senator be this o, we no get another one!”
as her supporters clashed with the security personnel.
Days prior, the suspended lawmaker had announced her return, citing a Federal High Court ruling that urged the Senate to rethink her six-month suspension. However, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu maintained that the ruling was merely a suggestion, not a legal mandate, and warned her against trying to resume her duties too soon.
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Legal Battles and Political Tensions
The whole situation goes back to March 2025, when the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of misconduct, including accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She fought her suspension in court, where Justice Binta Nyako labeled it as “excessive,” but didn’t enforce her reinstatement. Instead, the court advised the Senate to reconsider its decision—a request that the legislative body has completely ignored.
To complicate matters, the court also found Natasha guilty of contempt, hitting her with a ₦5 million fine and ordering a public apology—conditions she still hasn’t met. Nevertheless, she stands firm in her belief that her suspension was unconstitutional and is determined to reclaim her right to resume her duties.
Videos from the scene showed Natasha and her supporters trying to breach the security barricades. Activist Aisha Yesufu confronted the officers, demanding,
“The National Assembly is meant to be for everyone. Why are you stopping us?”
The situation intensified as the crowd chanted “Push!”—but in the end, they were turned away after reaching a locked inner gate.
Unfazed, the senator later made her way onto the premises on foot, only to be blocked yet again. Expressing her frustration, she vowed to return once the Senate resumes its two-month recess, stating,
“I will consult my legal team to know the next steps.”
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