The legal dispute surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has moved to Nigeria’s highest court, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed new processes at the Supreme Court. Court records seen on Thursday show that Akpabio is asking the apex court to allow him to proceed with his appeal against judgments delivered by lower courts.
Akpabio, listed as the appellant, is challenging rulings that declared the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker unlawful. The respondents in the case include Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.
The disagreement began during a Senate plenary session in February 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised matters of privilege and complained about alleged breaches of procedure. The issues were later referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which recommended her suspension. The Senate adopted the recommendation, leading to her removal from legislative duties.
Unhappy with the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that her suspension violated her right to fair hearing and did not follow the Senate’s Standing Orders. In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the court ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.
Following further proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has now taken the matter to the Supreme Court. In his application, he is seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, permission to appeal on grounds involving both law and facts, and an order recognising his notice of appeal and legal arguments as properly filed.
Akpabio maintains that the Senate acted within its authority under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to regulate its internal affairs. He also argues that the Senate President is not required to give instant rulings on every issue of privilege and that the disciplinary steps taken were lawful.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, on her part, continues to insist that her suspension was carried out without fair hearing and in violation of the Senate’s own rules. It was confirmed that her legal team has been served with the Supreme Court documents.
The case also involves a related contempt issue linked to a social media post made by Akpoti-Uduaghan while the matter was still before the court. In that case, the Federal High Court imposed a fine and ordered a public apology, a decision she has also appealed.
Although her six-month suspension ended in September 2025 and she later returned to the National Assembly, the legal battle has continued due to disputes over the court rulings and the actions of the Senate leadership. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to provide guidance on the powers of legislative discipline and the role of the courts in such matters.