Suspended Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Tuesday barred from entering the National Assembly, despite citing a federal high court ruling she says grants her immediate reinstatement.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central and is one of only four female senators in Nigeria’s 10th Senate, had earlier accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment — a claim Akpabio has strongly denied.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for what the Senate leadership called “unruly and disruptive” behaviour during a legislative session. But she maintains the suspension is retaliation for her petition accusing Akpabio.
On Tuesday, her convoy was stopped at the outer gate of the National Assembly complex in Abuja. She attempted to proceed on foot but was again denied access at the inner gate by security personnel.
Speaking to journalists, she declared:
“Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian constitution. The office of the Senate President does not give me legitimacy. My legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi who voted me in.”
She added that she would consult her legal team for next steps, accusing the Senate leadership of being in contempt of court.
Senate President Akpabio has appealed the high court decision, arguing that parliamentary procedures are shielded from judicial interference. The Court of Appeal has not yet ruled on the matter.
Under current Senate rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is set to expire in September.
Meanwhile, several civil society groups have expressed concern over her treatment and are calling for a transparent investigation into her allegations.
