The legal battle over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has escalated, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio approaching the Supreme Court to challenge appellate decisions linked to the controversy.
Court documents show that Akpabio, in his capacity as President of the Senate, has filed an application before the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal over the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker.
Listed as respondents in the suit are Senator 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 dispute arose from a Senate plenary session in February 2025, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues relating to parliamentary privilege and alleged procedural breaches. The matter was referred to the Senate ethics committee, which later recommended her suspension.
Challenging the action, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that her suspension violated her right to fair hearing and breached the Senate Standing Orders. In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the court examined issues bordering on legislative privilege, internal parliamentary procedures and judicial oversight.
Following proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has now asked the Supreme Court for extension of time to seek 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.
In his application, Akpabio contends that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures. His legal team also argues that the Senate lawfully activated its disciplinary mechanisms in response to alleged disorderly conduct.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, insists that her suspension was unlawful and excessive, maintaining that the Senate failed to follow due process and denied her a fair hearing.
Her lawyers were formally served with the Supreme Court processes on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, setting the stage for a full hearing at the apex court.
The case also includes a related contempt issue stemming from a social media post by Akpoti-Uduaghan, for which the Federal High Court imposed a fine and ordered a public apology. She has appealed that decision as well.
Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could have far-reaching implications for legislative discipline, separation of powers and judicial oversight of parliamentary actions in Nigeria.
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