The Nigerian Senate has outlined conditions that must be met before Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can be reinstated, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension.

 

On Friday, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was excessive and ordered her reinstatement. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator representing Kogi Central had been suspended in March over allegations of gross misconduct after a heated altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding the chamber’s sitting arrangement.

 

The controversy intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan, during a televised interview, accused Akpabio of penalizing her for refusing his alleged sexual advances—an accusation the Senate President strongly denied.

 

Following her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) challenging the Senate’s decision. In her judgment, Justice Nyako stated that while the Senate has the power to discipline its members, such authority must not violate the constitutional rights of constituents to have representation in parliament.

 

She criticized Chapter Eight of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers and Privileges Act, declaring them vague for not specifying a maximum suspension period. With the Senate mandated to sit for 181 days annually, a 180-day suspension was deemed to deprive Kogi Central constituents of their democratic representation.

 

“The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member,” Nyako ruled. “However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament.”

 

 

 

Contempt Ruling and Court Directives

 

Despite nullifying the suspension, the court found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a satirical apology she posted on Facebook on April 27. Justice Nyako ruled that the post was linked to the ongoing legal proceedings and ordered the senator to publish formal apologies in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days. A fine of ₦5 million was also imposed.

 

Senate Reacts: Reinstatement Not Immediate

 

In response, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan would not be reinstated immediately. He maintained that while the court acknowledged the Senate’s disciplinary powers, the senator must first comply with the court’s directives before any decision on her return could be made.

 

“The onus is now on her. Once she fulfills the court’s instructions, the Senate will meet to deliberate on her matter,” Adaramodu said.

 

 

 

He added that the ruling did not strip the Senate of its constitutional authority to discipline its members and that the chamber would act based on her compliance.

 

Senate Counsel: Court Did Not Mandate Immediate Reinstatement

 

Senate legal counsel, Paul Dauda (SAN), described the judgment as a partial victory for the Senate. He clarified that the ruling affirmed the Senate’s right to maintain order among its members.

 

“The court did not issue an order for reinstatement. The comment on the suspension’s duration was merely an obiter dictum—a non-binding observation,” Dauda explained.

 

 

 

He also noted that the court sided with the Senate on the issue of contempt, requiring the satirical post to be removed and replaced with a formal apology.

 

Atiku Commends Court, Senator

 

Reacting to the ruling, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Justice Nyako for her courage in lifting what he termed an “obnoxious” suspension. In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku also commended Akpoti-Uduaghan for standing up for her rights.

 

“I hail Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension in a chamber where women are already vulnerable. No price is too high in the pursuit of justice,” he wrote.