Akpabio takes Natasha suspension dispute to Supreme Court

The dispute over the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,  senator representing Kogi Central,has entered a new stage, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed processes at the Supreme Court.

Documents seen on Thursday show that Akpabio approached the apex court to pursue his appeal against earlier decisions of the lower courts on the matter.

The filings, referenced as SC No: SC/CV/1111/2025, Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025 and Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, contain an application relying on provisions of the Supreme Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

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In the appeal, Akpabio is listed as the appellant, while 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, are named as respondents.

The dispute arose from a Senate plenary session in February 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues of privilege and alleged breaches of procedure.

The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which later recommended her suspension.

The senator challenged the decision at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging a denial of fair hearing and non-compliance with the Senate Standing Orders.

In its judgment of July 4, 2025, the court set aside the suspension, describing it as unconstitutional.

After proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio took the case to the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, permission to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed.

Akpabio argued that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to regulate its internal affairs.

He also contended that the Senate President was not required to rule immediately on every point of privilege and that the Senate followed due process in activating its disciplinary procedure.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that her suspension was unlawful and carried out without a fair hearing, insisting that the Senate failed to follow its rules.

It was confirmed on Thursday that her lawyers had been served with the Supreme Court processes.

The case also involves a contempt issue arising from a social media post by Akpoti-Uduaghan while the suit was pending. The Federal High Court fined her and ordered a public apology, a decision she has appealed.

Read also: Akpabio withdraws suits against Natasha Akpoti, others after New Year mass

Legal observers say the Supreme Court’s ruling may clarify the limits of legislative discipline and judicial intervention.

The development comes less than two weeks after Akpabio announced his intention to withdraw pending court cases against some of his adversaries.

Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed legislative duties on September 23, 2025, after completing a six-month suspension and regaining access to her office at the National Assembly.

Her office had been sealed since March 6, 2025, following her suspension over alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat on February 20.

Although the suspension ended in September, her return was delayed by ongoing litigation and resistance from the Senate leadership.

After the July 4 judgment, she notified the Senate of her intention to resume duties, but the request was initially rejected.