Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has pledged to return to court after being blocked from entering Nigeria’s National Assembly building, defying a federal court’s order that lifted her suspension.
The senator was barred from the chamber in March following accusations that she was offered political support by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in exchange for sexual favors claims she made public. Her six-month suspension was overturned on July 5 by a federal high court, which labeled the penalty “excessive” and emphasized the need for her constituents to be represented.
Despite the ruling, armed guards prevented her entry this week. Akpoti-Uduaghan one of only four female lawmakers in the 109-member Senate denounced the move as contempt of court and a threat to democratic integrity.
“I am not accused of corruption, embezzlement, drug trafficking or murder,” she said. “The only thing I am guilty of is denouncing injustices.”
Senate officials responded by calling the court’s decision a “non-binding opinion.” They accused the senator of breaching a gag order and said she had failed to pay an imposed fine. Meanwhile, Akpabio has filed an appeal, arguing that judicial authorities have no power over internal parliamentary affairs.
The situation has sparked national debate over gender representation, institutional accountability, and the limits of parliamentary autonomy.
