Raphael Kanu
In a dramatic twist to a months-long political saga, the Nigerian Senate has laid down conditions for the possible return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a Federal High Court ruling that described her suspension as excessive and lacking constitutional backing.
The embattled senator representing Kogi Central was suspended for six months in March after a fiery exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sitting arrangements—an altercation that soon spiraled into public accusations of sexual harassment and abuse of power.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged on national television that her suspension was not merely disciplinary, but a retaliatory act for rejecting alleged sexual advances from Akpabio. The Senate President has since denied the allegations, calling them unfounded and malicious.
Amidst public outcry and growing concerns about gender discrimination within Nigeria’s political institutions, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator approached the courts, challenging the legality of her suspension. In her suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, she asked the judiciary to intervene.
On Friday, Justice Binta Nyako delivered a landmark judgment that has reignited debates about legislative powers, accountability, and the representation of constituents in Nigeria’s democracy.
Justice Nyako declared that although the Senate had the constitutional authority to discipline its members, it had overstepped by suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for nearly the entire duration of a legislative year.
“The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member. However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament,” the judge stated firmly.
She faulted Chapter Eight of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, declaring them overreaching due to their failure to stipulate a maximum suspension period.
Noting that the Senate is constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days in a legislative year, Justice Nyako described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension as effectively disenfranchising the people of Kogi Central.
But the judgment was not entirely in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s favor.
Justice Nyako also found the senator guilty of contempt for a satirical Facebook post published on April 27, which she deemed linked to the ongoing court proceedings. As part of the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan was ordered to publish an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days and pay a ₦5 million fine as penalty for contempt.
Despite the judgment, the Senate has declined to immediately reinstate the lawmaker.
Speaking to reporters, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu insisted that the court’s ruling did not invalidate the Senate’s constitutional powers to discipline its members.
“Which judgment are we appealing when the court said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members?” Adaramodu queried. “The court has already told her to do some things—like restitution—so after the restitution, the Senate will now sit again and consider the content of that restitution. That will inform our next line of action.”
He emphasized that the ball is now in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s court.
“The first reaction now will not be from us. The court has ruled. Once she takes the step to redress and does what the court has directed her to do, then the Senate will sit and look at the content of her reaction as prescribed by the court.”
The Senate’s lead counsel, Paul Dauda, SAN, echoed similar sentiments, describing the ruling as a partial victory—especially on the issue of contempt arising from social media commentary during an ongoing case.
Dauda clarified that the court did not issue a direct order for reinstatement.
“There was no relief asking for the suspension to be lifted. The judge only made what we call an obiter dictum, a non-binding remark, that the suspension may have been excessive,” he explained.
Still, he acknowledged the need for further deliberations. “We will consult with our colleagues, read the full judgment, and respond accordingly,” he added.
In a swift reaction, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised the judgment and lauded both Justice Nyako and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku wrote:
“I commend Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for the courage in lifting the obnoxious suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central).”
He further hailed the senator for not backing down in the face of intimidation.
“I also hail Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension by not sleeping on her rights in a chamber where women are already vulnerable.”
Atiku concluded by asserting that no price should be too high in the pursuit of justice and the defence of civil liberties.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan weighs her next steps—publishing the required apologies and settling the contempt fine—the nation watches closely.
Her battle has sparked critical discourse about the treatment of women in Nigeria’s corridors of power, the limits of legislative authority, and the fragility of democratic representation.
Whether the Senate will ultimately reinstate her or deepen the standoff remains to be seen. But for now, one thing is clear: the courtroom has provided her with a path to return—if she chooses to walk it.
