The legal dispute regarding the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has intensified, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio once again approaching the Supreme Court.
Court documents sighted on Thursday reveal that Akpabio filed an application before the apex court to regularise and sustain his appeal against the decisions of lower courts regarding the matter.
The documents are designated SC NO: SC/CV/1111/2025, Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025, and Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
The application states, “Motion on Notice brought pursuant to Order 4 Rules 6 & 16 of the Supreme Court 2024 Sections 22, 27 (1) 4, 2 & 4 and 29 of the Supreme Court Act CAP S.15 Laws of the Federal Law Section 233 (1) and 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and under the inherent jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”
Akpabio is listed as the appellant, with Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Senator Neda Imasuen, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, as respondents.
The dispute originated from a February 2025 plenary session where 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.
Dissatisfied with this decision, the lawmaker approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, claiming a breach of her right to a fair hearing and non-compliance with the Senate Standing Orders. In its judgment on July 4, 2025, the court overturned the suspension, labelling it excessive and unconstitutional.
Following the proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has escalated the case to the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed.
The former governor contended that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures. He further argued that the Senate President was not obliged to rule on every point of privilege immediately and that the Senate lawfully initiated its disciplinary process.
Conversely, Akpoti-Udughan maintains that her suspension was unlawful and conducted without a fair hearing, insisting that the Senate failed to adhere to its own rules.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that her legal team had been served with the Supreme Court processes. The case also includes a related contempt matter stemming from a social media post made by Akpoti-Udughan while the suit was pending, which resulted in a fine and a public apology ordered by the Federal High Court—both of which she has appealed.
Legal observers suggest that the Supreme Court’s decision could provide clarity on the limits of legislative discipline and judicial intervention.
This development follows closely on the heels of Akpabio’s announcement that he had chosen to withdraw pending court cases against his adversaries.
Akpoti-Udughan resumed her duties on September 23, 2025, after serving a six-month suspension and regaining access to her office in the National Assembly, which had been sealed since March 6, 2025, following her suspension over alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio on February 20.
Despite her suspension having lapsed in September, she faced delays in her return due to ongoing legal challenges and resistance from the Senate leadership. Following the July 4 judgment, she informed the Senate of her intention to resume, but her request was initially denied.
Leave a Reply