Last-minute concerns surrounding constituency project disputes and preparations for the October 1 Independence Day celebrations have been cited as key reasons for the unexpected delay in the return of federal lawmakers following their two-month recess.
Just hours before the National Assembly was set to reconvene yesterday, the leadership officially announced a postponement of plenary sessions from the original date of Tuesday, September 23, to Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
This update was conveyed in a press release issued in Abuja by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana, representing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
“By directive of the presiding officers of both chambers, all members and the public are hereby informed that the resumption date has been deferred to Tuesday, 7th October 2025,” the statement declared.
The National Assembly had commenced its annual recess in July of this year.
Although the official statement did not elaborate on the reasons for the postponement, multiple insider sources point to a combination of domestic political tensions and international commitments influencing the decision.
According to information obtained by LEADERSHIP, the delay in the House of Representatives’ return is largely driven by growing unrest among lawmakers over unpaid contractors who completed constituency projects in 2024.
Earlier reports revealed that a faction of disgruntled House members was preparing to confront the leadership regarding outstanding payments and perceived inequities in the distribution of constituency project funds.
These legislators fear losing favor with their constituents due to the neglect of projects initiated since 2024.
At a recent confidential meeting, the affected lawmakers expressed frustration that local contractors have yet to receive compensation for work done, leading to mounting pressure from their electorates and concerns about jeopardizing their chances in the 2027 elections.
They also resolved to challenge Speaker Tajudeen Abbas over what they describe as poor budget execution that has left them disadvantaged.
Additional grievances include significant disparities in constituency project allocations, with some members receiving as much as N19 billion while others were allocated as little as one billion naira.
In protest against the inadequate implementation of the 2024 and 2025 budgets, some lawmakers have threatened to oppose the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal.
However, Deputy House spokesman Hon. Philip Agbese clarified to LEADERSHIP that lawmakers do not engage directly with contractors and assured that the House is committed to rigorous budget oversight to guarantee effective execution.
He emphasized that the House leadership is promoting constructive dialogue between the Ministry of Finance and local stakeholders involved in project delivery.
Meanwhile, in the Senate, it was reported that several senators plan to join their respective state governors in commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day on October 1, 2025, an event traditionally marked by prominent political figures including governors, senators, and federal officials.
Another significant factor influencing the postponement is the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled from September 22 to 28, 2025, in New York.
Numerous Nigerian lawmakers are part of the official delegation, expected to participate in bilateral meetings and the high-level General Debate running from September 23 to 27, concluding on September 29.
Political analysts have also speculated that the unresolved suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) may have contributed to the delay.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a Senate Ethics Committee resolution citing misconduct and failure to comply with summons.
Although she has legally challenged the suspension, tensions escalated after she notified the National Assembly Clerk on September 4 of her intention to resume legislative duties.
In response, acting clerk Dr. Yahaya Danzaria maintained that she cannot return to the Senate while her contempt of court case remains under appeal at the Abuja Court of Appeal.
In a surprising development, her previously sealed Senate office-Suite 2.05 in the Senate wing-was unsealed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, by the Sergeant-at-Arms, a move interpreted by some as signaling her imminent return to plenary sessions.
Nonetheless, no formal announcement has been made by Senate leadership regarding her status.
Despite the delay in plenary sessions, the National Assembly leadership confirmed that committee activities will proceed as planned.
Members have been encouraged to continue with oversight responsibilities, legislative duties, and constituency engagements during this period.
The legislature began its annual two-month recess in July, with the Senate adjourning on July 24 and the House on July 23.
Both chambers instructed their ad hoc and standing committees to maintain progress on pending reports and federal oversight tasks throughout the recess.
Attempts to obtain comments from Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
