Tensions rose at Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-member Senate, was denied entry into the parliamentary complex in Abuja. The senator, who was suspended in March following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, attempted to resume her duties but was stopped by security at both the outer and inner gates of the complex.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that her six-month suspension is politically motivated and directly linked to the petition she submitted earlier this year, in which she alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Akpabio, an accusation he strongly denies. The Senate, however, maintains that her suspension was due to what it described as “unruly and disruptive behavior” during a legislative session.

A Return Backed by the Courts?

The Kogi State senator had vowed to return to work on July 22, citing a Federal High Court ruling that, according to her, ordered the Senate to reinstate her. However, the Senate leadership has refused to comply, with Senate President Akpabio arguing that the judiciary cannot interfere in the internal affairs of parliament. He has since filed an appeal, asserting that parliamentary matters are shielded from judicial oversight. That court decision is still pending.

“Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian constitution,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan told reporters outside the Assembly gates. “The office of the Senate President does not give me legitimacy. My legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi who voted me in.”

She added that she would consult her legal team on possible next steps.