Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has demanded her immediate reinstatement to the Senate, issuing a four-day ultimatum to Clerk Dr. Yahaya Danzaria to facilitate her return by September 15 or face contempt proceedings and disciplinary sanctions.

Through her counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the Clerk's September 4 letter, which maintained her March 6 suspension—imposed for alleged insubordination—remains in effect pending a Court of Appeal ruling on her lawsuit. The senator's team described the position as a "grave constitutional breach" and "politically motivated subversion," arguing it misapplies the sub judice rule without a fresh Senate resolution or court order. Failure to comply by Monday would prompt legal action against the Clerk personally and officially, citing violations of Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates enforcement of judicial decisions.

The suspension, stemming from a dispute over her assigned seat and linked to her petition alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio—which the Senate dismissed—stripped Akpoti-Uduaghan of salaries, aides, and access. She claimed a favorable Federal High Court judgment in July, but an appeal delayed her July resumption attempt, leading to a security standoff.

Her August 28 notice of intent to resume on September 4 was rebuffed, prompting the latest escalation. Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, criticized the Senate's stance as "petty, oppressive, distasteful, and unacceptable," warning it sets a dangerous precedent for elected officials, potentially affecting figures like suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Secretary-General Chief Olusola Ebiseni highlighted the questionable circumstances of the original suspension and its extension beyond six months. Womanifesto, a coalition of over 300 women's rights organizations, condemned the exclusion as "unconstitutional" and an "affront to women's political participation," accusing Senate leadership of defying a subsisting court order. Convener Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi demanded immediate reinstatement, full compliance with the ruling, an end to delay tactics, and accountability for legislative overreach, framing it as an assault on democratic foundations.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in a statement by President Joe Ajaero, vowed to mobilize against the barring, labeling it a "gross abuse of power" and "assault on democracy" that deprives Kogi Central constituents of representation. The NLC described the Akpabio-led Senate's actions as a descent into "legislative dictatorship and democratic anarchy," emphasizing labor's role in defending justice and constitutional duties. 

The Senate has not responded to the ultimatum, with its position tied to the ongoing appeal. This standoff continues to highlight tensions over legislative discipline, judicial enforcement, and representation in Nigeria's National Assembly.