The embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday made a spirited return to the Senate following the completion of her six-month suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Red Chamber smiling as plenary resumed after a 10-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over proceedings.

She was accompanied by a small group of activists and loyal supporters, including prominent rights advocate Aisha Yesufu, who was sighted in the gallery, while several others were denied entry.

Upon arrival, the lawmaker exchanged pleasantries with a few colleagues before taking her seat—marking her first official appearance since her suspension in March 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended for alleged misconduct linked to her protest against the reassignment of her Senate seat by Akpabio on February 20, 2025. Her office—Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing—was subsequently sealed off on March 6 but reopened recently by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.

Two weeks ago, after regaining access to her office, Akpoti-Uduaghan had described the Senate President as a “dictator,” a comment that reignited public debate over her earlier suspension.

Tuesday’s plenary recorded a high turnout of lawmakers, signaling a full return to legislative business after the recess and drawing attention to the political tension surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comeback.