Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s appeal challenging a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension from the Senate
Akpabio filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on July 14, seeking to overturn Justice Binta Nyako’s July 4 judgment, which declared Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension “excessive” and legally baseless. The appeal, marked CA/A//2025, arose from suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 initiated by the Kogi Central senator to contest her suspension.
In the 11-ground appeal, Akpabio contends the Federal High Court overreached by interfering in what he described as the National Assembly’s internal affairs—issues he claims are shielded from judicial review under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution. He argued that legislative actions, including suspensions, are covered by the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
The Senate President also faulted the court for ignoring his preliminary objection and claimed Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to exhaust internal remedies, such as approaching the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
He further accused the trial court of denying him a fair hearing, alleging that the judge ruled on issues—like the “excessiveness” of the suspension—not raised by either party and proceeded to mandate her reinstatement without hearing both sides.
When approached at the screening of Double Minority, a documentary event hosted by Daria Media in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, Akpoti-Uduaghan declined to comment on whether she would return to the Red Chamber.
Pressed on her thoughts about Akpabio’s appeal, she replied curtly: “Did you also ask him to tell you why he appealed it?” before leaving the venue.
The senator was suspended on February 20, 2025, after accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment and alleging he offered legislative favours in exchange for intimacy. The Senate Ethics Committee dismissed her petition and suspended her for “unruly conduct,” barring her from official duties, pay, and security access.
On July 4, the Federal High Court overturned her suspension, calling it excessive. While the court fined her N5 million for contempt due to a social media post, it ruled that her constituents were unjustly denied representation.
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