Breaking: Court Orders Immediate Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Declares Suspension Illegal

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and ordered her immediate reinstatement to the National Assembly.

The court, in a ruling delivered on Friday, declared the six-month suspension imposed on the lawmaker by the Nigerian Senate as “excessive and unconstitutional,” citing violations of statutory provisions governing legislative conduct.

Suspension Exceeds Legal Limit

TJ News Nigeria reports that the presiding judge held that the Senate acted beyond its legal authority by suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. The court referenced Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which stipulates that a member of a legislative house cannot be suspended for more than 14 days.

 

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Justice further ruled that the Senate’s action amounted to a breach of legislative due process and a violation of the lawmaker’s constitutional rights to representation and participation in parliamentary affairs.

Background of Controversy

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended on March 6, 2025, following allegations of misconduct during plenary sessions.

According to Senate records, she was accused of:

• Refusing to sit in the designated seat assigned to her
• Speaking without proper recognition from the Senate leadership
• Making “unsubstantiated allegations” during a plenary debate

However, political observers noted that the suspension came shortly after she filed a formal petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment. The Senate dismissed her allegations and instead initiated disciplinary proceedings that led to her removal from legislative duties.

Severe Sanctions Accompanied Suspension

TJ News Nigeria gathered that in addition to the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office was sealed, her official allowances frozen, her security details withdrawn, and her access to the National Assembly premises revoked.

These measures were widely criticised by civil society groups and human rights advocates, who argued that the punitive actions were politically motivated and intended to silence dissent within the legislative chamber.

Legal Victory for Representation

With the court’s decision, the Senate is expected to immediately reverse all disciplinary measures taken against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. This includes restoring her access to the National Assembly, reinstating her full legislative privileges, and ensuring the unfreezing of her allowances and entitlements.

Legal analysts say the judgment reinforces the limitations placed on legislative authority by statutory and constitutional provisions. It also reaffirms that elected officials cannot be arbitrarily removed from office without due process and in accordance with clearly defined legal boundaries.

As of the time of this report, the Senate has not issued an official response to the ruling.

Implications for Legislative Independence

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the court’s ruling may have broader implications for legislative discipline, particularly in cases where internal sanctions are alleged to be used as tools of political retribution.

Observers say the decision could serve as a legal precedent for lawmakers facing similar actions in the future, potentially curbing the arbitrary use of suspensions to silence opposition voices in the National Assembly.