Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has blasted Senate President Godswill Akpabio, vowing not to beg for reinstatement.

This is as she accused Akpabio of defying court order and placing himself above the Nigerian Constitution.

The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, showed up at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her suspension.

However, her return took a dramatic turn as security officials blocked her at the gate, denying her access to the chambers.

Fuming at the scene, Natasha said, “Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. I got my legitimacy from the people of Kogi who voted me in, not from the Office of the Senate President. His appeal does not cancel the judgment of Justice Binta Nyako.”

She called the Senate’s action a deliberate disregard for the rule of law, stressing that the legislature under Akpabio’s leadership is “openly in contempt of court.”

The court had earlier ruled that her suspension was “excessive,” advising the Senate to reconsider.

However, the same court fined her ₦5 million for contempt and ordered her to publish an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page—conditions she has yet to fulfil.

In response, the Senate, through its spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, insisted that no binding order required her immediate recall.

“There is no court order mandating the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha before the expiration of her suspension,” he said two days prior.

Despite this, the embattled senator arrived at the Assembly with her supporters and activists, including Aisha Yesufu, who condemned the heavy security presence and the locked gates.

Natasha marched from the first checkpoint to the main entrance, only to meet reinforced security barricades and police vans.

She refused to back down. “There is just no reason why these gates should not be open. I will not apologise for something I didn’t do,” she stated, referencing past tensions with Akpabio, including a previous sexual harassment allegation she made against him.

She hinted that her legal team would be heading to the appellate court for clarification, stating,

“I’m a law-abiding citizen. We’ll seek interpretation of the situation in court.”

As of press time, the Senate had not released an official statement on the standoff.

Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to continue pushing for her reinstatement and declared that she would not bow to pressure or threats from any quarters.