By John Umeh
Following a significant legal victory for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the appellate court, the Nigerian Senate has responded with caution, setting out conditions that must be met before her official reinstatement to the Red Chamber. While the court ruling seemingly clears the way for her return, lawmakers have insisted that due process and institutional protocols must be strictly observed before her seat can be restored.
The development stems from a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, which upheld Natasha’s electoral victory in the Kogi Central senatorial election, effectively nullifying any prior claims against her legitimacy as the duly elected senator. The ruling came after months of legal battles following the 2023 general election, during which her seat was declared vacant pending court deliberation.
However, in a plenary session held earlier this week, the Senate leadership clarified that the court verdict, though respected, is not immediately binding on the legislative arm without fulfilling key procedural steps. According to the Senate spokesperson, the chamber is awaiting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue an official certificate of return or reaffirm the existing one as required by law.
“We respect the judiciary, but we also operate by the rules of the National Assembly. A court ruling alone is not the final instrument for seating a senator. INEC must communicate the decision to the Senate formally and with all accompanying documents,” the Senate spokesperson stated.
Beyond documentation, the Senate leadership noted that a motion may need to be raised on the floor to recognize the court’s decision and approve Natasha’s reinstatement. This procedural requirement is not new; it has been the standard practice in previous cases where court rulings affected sitting senators or members-elect.
Meanwhile, Natasha’s legal team has hailed the court’s decision as a victory for democracy, urging the Senate to act swiftly to respect the rule of law and restore her seat without delay. Supporters of the Kogi-born lawmaker have also intensified calls for the Senate to obey the ruling without political hesitation, warning that any delay could be interpreted as an act of institutional bias.
Political analysts suggest the Senate’s cautious stance may be tied to broader political dynamics within the chamber, especially as tensions rise ahead of upcoming legislative agendas and leadership realignments. Natasha, known for her vocal and reformist stance, has been a high-profile figure in Nigeria’s gender and anti-corruption advocacy space, making her return both politically sensitive and symbolically powerful.
As of now, all eyes remain on INEC for the next move. If the electoral body certifies the court ruling and forwards the necessary documentation, the Senate is expected to formalize her return in the coming days or weeks. Until then, Natasha’s seat remains in legal limbo—won in court, but not yet restored on the Senate floor.
Her case underscores the complexities at the intersection of law, politics, and legislative procedure in Nigeria’s democracy, and it serves as a reminder that in the corridors of power, even victory requires validation.
