Senate President Godswill Akpabio has escalated his legal battle over the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Supreme Court
Court documents obtained on Thursday show that Akpabio filed an application seeking to regularize and maintain his appeal challenging lower court rulings in the matter. The documents carry Supreme Court file number SC/CV/1111/2025, Appeal number CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025, and suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
The motion partly reads: “Motion on Notice brought pursuant to Order 4 Rules 6 & 16 of the Supreme Court 2024 Sections 22, 27 (1) 4, 2 & 4 and 29 of the Supreme Court Act CAP S.15 Laws of the Federal Law Section 233 (1) and 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and under the inherent jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”
Akpabio is listed as the appellant, while the respondents include Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The dispute stems from a February 2025 Senate plenary session where Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns over privilege and alleged procedural violations. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which subsequently recommended her suspension.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging violations of her right to a fair hearing and noncompliance with Senate standing orders. On July 4, 2025, the court ruled that the suspension was harsh and unlawful.
After proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has now brought the case to the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, permission to appeal on mixed law and fact grounds, and recognition that his notice of appeal and brief of argument were properly submitted.
Akpabio argued that the Senate acted within its constitutional authority under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to regulate its internal affairs. He also maintained that the Senate President is not obliged to rule on every privilege issue immediately and that the disciplinary procedure was valid.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that her suspension was illegal and carried out without due process, claiming the Senate failed to follow its own procedures. On Thursday, her lawyers confirmed they had received the Supreme Court processes.
The case also involves a related contempt issue arising from a social media post by Akpoti-Uduaghan while the matter was pending, which led the Federal High Court to fine her and order a public apology—an order she has appealed.
The Supreme Court’s ruling could set important precedent on the limits of legislative discipline and judicial oversight. The development comes just two weeks after Akpabio announced his intention to withdraw pending court cases.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office has been closed since March 6, 2025, following her suspension over alleged misconduct during a protest against Akpabio’s relocation of her seat on February 20. Although the ban was set to expire in September, she has been unable to return due to ongoing legal battles and resistance from Senate leadership. After the July 4 High Court decision, she notified the Senate of her intention to resume work, but her request was initially denied.
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