The dispute over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has advanced to the Supreme Court, following a fresh application filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Court filings sighted on Thursday reveal that Akpabio is seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal against the decisions of the lower courts, which faulted the Senate’s disciplinary action. The matter is registered as SC/CV/1111/2025, with related references CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025 and FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
In his motion, Akpabio invoked provisions of the Supreme Court Rules 2024, the Supreme Court Act (Cap S.15, LFN), and Section 233 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), urging the apex court to grant extension of time, leave to appeal on mixed grounds of law and fact, and to deem his notice of appeal and brief of argument as duly filed.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio is listed as the Appellant, while the respondents are Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Senator Neda Imasuen (Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions).
The controversy stems from a February 2025 plenary session where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues of privilege and alleged procedural breaches. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which subsequently recommended her suspension.
Challenging the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, arguing violation of her right to fair hearing and non-compliance with Senate Standing Orders. On July 4, 2025, the court declared the suspension unconstitutional and excessive.
The Court of Appeal upheld aspects of that ruling, prompting Akpabio to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. He maintains that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which authorises the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures. He further contends that the Senate President is not obliged to immediately rule on every point of privilege raised during plenary.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan insists her suspension was unlawful, carried out without fair hearing, and in breach of the Senate’s own rules. Her legal team has confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court processes.
The case also touches on a related contempt issue: the Federal High Court had fined her and ordered a public apology over a social media post made while the suit was pending—a decision she has separately appealed.
Legal analysts note that the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could provide critical guidance on the scope of legislative discipline vis-à-vis judicial oversight.
The development comes shortly after Akpabio publicly announced his intention to withdraw pending suits against political adversaries.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed duties on September 23, 2025, after serving a six-month suspension. Her office at the National Assembly had been sealed since March 6, 2025, following her protest against the reassignment of her seat. Despite the suspension lapsing in September, her return was delayed by ongoing legal battles and resistance from Senate leadership.
