An emerging constitutional crisis is unfolding in the National Assembly following Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s insistence on resuming legislative duties on Tuesday, July 8—despite fierce pushback from Senate lawyers and a growing swirl of misinformation about the Federal High Court’s ruling on her suspension.
The legal storm erupted after a video of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan addressing supporters surfaced online, in which she claimed the court had ruled in her favour and directed her reinstatement to the Senate.
Her declaration triggered swift and pointed reactions, including a cautionary letter dated July 5 and purportedly authored by Paul Daudu, SAN, counsel to the Senate, warning her not to force her way back into the chamber.
But the controversy took another twist when Daudu issued a disclaimer Monday morning denying authorship of the open letter circulating on social media. “Dear members of the public, please ignore the purported open letter… It is unsigned and not issued by me,” Daudu stated, distancing himself from the viral correspondence. He affirmed his respect for J.S. Okutepa, SAN—Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lead counsel—describing him as a father and mentor, and asserting that he confines all legal arguments to the courtroom.
Nonetheless, a formal letter—sent privately and also dated July 5—has confirmed the Senate’s legal position on the matter. In it, Daudu reiterated that while the Federal High Court judgment made remarks suggesting the six-month suspension may be excessive, the Court did not issue any enforceable order requiring the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“The Court delivered an opinion—obiter dicta—but did not crystallise it into any binding or enforceable order,” the letter clarified. It went on to urge her legal team to advise restraint pending the official release of the enrolled order of judgment.
According to the Senate’s legal camp, any unilateral attempt by the senator to resume her seat without formal clearance risks being interpreted as contempt of court and could further inflame institutional tensions.
Legal analysts warn that this unfolding dispute may escalate into a dramatic face-off on the floor of the National Assembly when plenary resumes on Tuesday. Sources close to the Senate leadership say security arrangements are already being considered, in anticipation of what one insider described as a “potential flashpoint.”
On social media, supporters of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan have hailed the court judgment as a vindication, while critics question the legality of her proposed return absent the enrolled order—a critical document that formally outlines the Court’s decision and enforceable directives.
As of press time, efforts to reach Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team for a response to the Senate’s cautionary stance were unsuccessful.
With confusion, legal brinkmanship, and political drama at play, the nation watches closely to see whether the lawmaker will make good on her word—and what consequences may follow.