A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled on Friday, July 4, 2025, that the Nigerian Senate exceeded its authority by suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central, PDP) for six months, ordering her immediate reinstatement to the Red Chamber.
The court declared the suspension duration “excessive” and lacking legal grounding, as neither Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Orders nor Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act specifies a maximum suspension period, rendering the penalty disproportionate in this instance.
Justice Nyako emphasized that the 181-day legislative calendar of the National Assembly means a six-month suspension, approximately the same length, effectively mutes an entire constituency’s voice, which she deemed unconstitutional. “While the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such sanctions must not go so far as to deny constituents their right to representation,” Nyako stated.
The suspension, enacted in January 2025, stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of bias and stifling her contributions during plenary sessions.
On a related issue, the court upheld Akpabio’s decision to deny Akpoti-Uduaghan speaking rights during a plenary for not being in her designated seat, ruling it did not violate her rights as a senator.
However, Nyako rejected Akpabio’s claim that the judiciary lacked jurisdiction over the Senate’s “internal affairs,” asserting that matters involving fundamental rights and representation fall squarely within the court’s authority. This rebuff underscores the judiciary’s role in checking legislative overreach, particularly on issues impacting democratic representation.
In a surprising turn, the court imposed a fine of ₦10 million on Akpoti-Uduaghan for violating a prior court order prohibiting both parties from making public statements about the case during litigation.
The penalty, described as running into millions of naira, was linked to her media comments in March 2025. Posts on X, such as from @NaijaLawyer, hailed the ruling as a “victory for democracy,” while @SenateWatch criticized the Senate’s “punitive” tactics.
The decision may set a precedent for future legislative disciplinary actions, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return expected to resume her advocacy on women’s rights and regional development.
What You Should Know
- On July 4, 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the immediate recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling her six-month Senate suspension unconstitutional.
- Justice Binta Nyako called the suspension “excessive,” as it lacked legal basis and silenced Kogi Central’s representation for nearly a full legislative year.
- The court upheld Senate President Akpabio’s denial of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s speaking rights but rejected his claim that the judiciary cannot intervene in Senate matters.
- Akpoti-Uduaghan was fined ₦10 million for breaching a court order against public statements during the case.
- The ruling reinforces judicial oversight over legislative actions and may influence future Senate disciplinary measures.
