A confrontation looms in the Nigerian Senate as suspended lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is set to resume legislative duties today, July 22, despite the Senate's insistence that her March 2025 suspension remains in force.

Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, announced her planned return following a Federal High Court judgment that declared her suspension unconstitutional. Speaking at a constituency program on Saturday, she maintained that the court’s ruling justifies her resumption, stating:

 “The court did decide on that... I will be there.”

Her legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) West Idahosa, backed her stance, arguing that the ruling effectively allows her to resume.

 “She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, calling the suspension a violation of the Constitution.

However, the Senate leadership strongly disagrees. In a letter dated July 14, the National Assembly's Director of Litigation, Charles Yoila, informed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team that the court merely advised, rather than ordered, her recall.

 “The judgment did not include any express or mandatory order directing the reinstatement,” Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu reiterated.

Legal experts are divided over the interpretation of the judgment, particularly whether its language carries binding force. While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team cites constitutional grounds under Section 318, the Senate maintains that no specific order compels her return.

With the senator expected at the chambers today, a dramatic standoff is anticipated, a rare clash between legislative authority and judicial interpretation. It remains uncertain whether she will be allowed to participate in proceedings or be barred from entry.