Akpabio Approaches Supreme Court Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

The legal contest surrounding the suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has taken a new turn as Senate President Godswill Akpabio has again approached the Supreme Court for judicial intervention.

Documents obtained on Thursday reveal that Akpabio has submitted an application before the apex court seeking to regularise and uphold his appeal against earlier judgments delivered by lower courts in relation to the suspension dispute.

In the filing, Akpabio is named as the appellant, while the respondents include Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.

The controversy traces back to a Senate plenary session in February 2025, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan raised matters of privilege and alleged that certain procedural rules were violated during proceedings.

Following the session, the issues she raised were referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. After deliberations, the committee recommended her suspension from legislative duties, a decision that sparked widespread legal and constitutional debate.

Unhappy with the outcome, the Kogi Central lawmaker approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that her suspension violated her right to fair hearing and failed to comply with provisions of the Senate Standing Orders.

In its ruling delivered on July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court ruled against the suspension, declaring it excessive, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with established legal principles governing legislative discipline.

After subsequent proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, where he is requesting an extension of time to seek leave to appeal on grounds involving mixed law and fact. He is also asking the court to formally recognise his Notice of Appeal and Brief of Argument as validly filed.

In his arguments before the apex court, the Senate President maintained that the Senate acted within its constitutional authority as provided under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures.

He further argued that the Senate President is not legally compelled to rule immediately on every issue of privilege raised during plenary sessions, insisting that the Senate lawfully activated its disciplinary mechanisms in this instance.

On her part, Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently held that her suspension was illegal, asserting that it was imposed without granting her a fair hearing and that the Senate failed to adhere to its own procedural rules.

It was confirmed on Thursday that legal representatives of the Kogi senator have been duly served with all Supreme Court documents related to the appeal.

The case also encompasses a related contempt proceeding, which arose from a social media post made by Akpoti-Uduaghan while the substantive suit was still before the court. In that matter, the Federal High Court imposed a fine and ordered a public apology, a ruling she has also challenged on appeal.

Legal analysts observing the case believe the Supreme Court’s eventual judgment may offer important clarification on the limits of legislative disciplinary powers and the extent to which courts can intervene in internal parliamentary matters.

This development comes barely two weeks after Akpabio publicly announced his decision to withdraw several pending court actions against perceived adversaries, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding legal drama.

Despite the ongoing litigation, Akpoti-Uduaghan officially resumed legislative duties on September 23, 2025, after completing a six-month suspension and regaining access to her office at the National Assembly.

Her office had remained sealed from March 6, 2025, following the suspension imposed over alleged misconduct linked to a protest against the reassignment of her seating position by Akpabio on February 20.

Although the suspension period expired in September, her return was delayed due to persistent legal disputes and resistance from Senate leadership. After the July 4 court ruling, she formally notified the Senate of her intention to resume duties, but the request was initially declined.