By Our Correspondent
The legal dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has entered a new phase as Akpabio approaches the Supreme Court to challenge earlier court decisions on the controversial suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker.
The disagreement dates back to a Senate plenary session in February 2025, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised objections over alleged procedural irregularities, including the reassignment of her seat. Her actions led to a referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which later recommended a six-month suspension from legislative activities.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought legal redress at the Federal High Court in Abuja. She argued that the suspension violated her constitutional right to fair hearing and did not follow due process as required by law and the Senate’s standing rules. In July 2025, the court ruled in her favour, declaring the suspension excessive and unconstitutional.
Following the ruling, Akpabio filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal. However, after encountering procedural challenges, he escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. In his application, the Senate President is seeking an extension of time to appeal, permission to appeal on grounds involving both law and facts, and validation of previously filed appeal documents.
Akpabio’s legal team maintains that the Senate acted within its constitutional authority to regulate its internal affairs.
They argue that the legislature has the power to discipline its members and that the Senate President is not required to immediately rule on every point of privilege raised during plenary sessions.
Lawyers representing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that Supreme Court documents were served on her legal team in January 2026, formally placing the dispute before the country’s highest court. She continues to insist that the suspension was unlawful and carried out without affording her a fair opportunity to defend herself.
The case also involves a related contempt issue stemming from a social media post made by the senator during the pendency of the matter. A lower court had fined her and ordered a public apology, a decision she has appealed alongside the suspension case.
Observers say the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could set an important precedent on the limits of legislative discipline and the extent to which courts can intervene in the internal affairs of the National Assembly.
