Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The Senate has declared it will not immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension and declared it excessive.
Justice Binta Nyako, delivering judgment on Friday in Abuja, held that the Kogi Central senator’s prolonged suspension was unconstitutional, emphasizing that no legislative chamber has the right to deny constituents representation for almost an entire legislative year.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker, was suspended in March following a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements. The matter escalated after the senator accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he has vehemently denied.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged her suspension, arguing that it violated her constitutional rights and those of her constituents. Justice Nyako faulted both the Senate Standing Rules and the Legislative Houses Powers & Privileges Act for lacking clarity on suspension durations.
“The Senate has the right to discipline members,” Nyako said, “but such action must not rob citizens of parliamentary representation.”
However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a satirical apology she posted on Facebook on April 27, calling it an affront to the judicial process. The judge fined her ₦5 million and ordered her to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on Facebook within seven days.
Senate Reacts: “Restitution First, Then Reinstatement”
Reacting to the ruling, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the Red Chamber would not reinstate the senator until she fulfills the court’s directives.
“We are not in a hurry. The court didn’t strip us of our powers to discipline members,” Adaramodu stated. “She must first carry out the restitution ordered by the court. After that, the Senate will sit and consider the content of her apology before deciding on the next line of action.”
He emphasized that the onus is now on Akpoti-Uduaghan. “The Senate won’t act until she complies,” he stressed.
Senate Counsel: “Partial Victory for Senate”
Speaking after the judgment, Senate legal counsel Paul Dauda, SAN, hailed the ruling as a partial victory for the Senate.
“While the court made comments about the suspension’s duration, it upheld our right to discipline members and found the senator in contempt,” Dauda said. “The judge didn’t order reinstatement. It was merely an observation—what we call an obiter dictum.”
He also confirmed the court sided with the Senate’s argument that the senator’s Facebook post was inappropriate and awarded ₦5 million in damages to the court.
Background of the Face-Off
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from what the Senate termed “gross misconduct” following a disagreement with Akpabio over sitting arrangements. Matters took a turn when she went on national television, accusing the Senate President of retaliating because she rejected his alleged sexual advances. Her petition ignited national debate and deepened division in the Senate.