Abuja Court Nullifies Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Orders Her Immediate Reinstatement
In a landmark decision that could reshape the relationship between Nigeria’s legislative institutions and the judiciary, the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate unlawful and unconstitutional, ordering her immediate reinstatement.
Delivering judgment on Friday, July 4, 2025, in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the embattled Kogi lawmaker, Justice Binta Fatima Nyako ruled that the Senate’s action not only violated the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution but also unjustly deprived the people of Kogi Central senatorial district of their right to representation for six months.
The ruling, viewed by legal analysts and civil society groups as a major victory for legislative accountability and female political participation, has ignited renewed debate over the limits of parliamentary privilege, the independence of the judiciary, and the broader implications of punitive politics within Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term lawmaker from Kogi Central and member of the opposition party, was suspended by the Senate on March 12, 2025, following accusations that she breached Senate Standing Rules. The disciplinary action came in the wake of a heated plenary session in which she made serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, including claims of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
The Senate, in a closed-door executive session, voted to suspend her for six months—a decision that drew widespread condemnation from human rights groups, legal experts, and opposition parties, who described the suspension as politically motivated and retaliatory.
At the time, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that her suspension was a classic case of silencing whistleblowers and punishing women in power who dare to speak against entrenched authority. Her legal team quickly filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, invoking her constitutional right to fair hearing, due process, and protection from politically motivated repression.
In a meticulously reasoned judgment delivered in a packed courtroom, Justice Binta Nyako faulted the Senate’s decision to suspend the senator, describing it as a violation of Section 42 and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee equal protection under the law and the right to a fair hearing.
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The judge ruled that while the Senate has internal rules and powers to regulate its proceedings, such powers must be exercised within the bounds of the Constitution.
“In suspending the applicant without affording her a fair and open hearing, and without following any transparent disciplinary procedure, the Senate acted beyond its constitutional authority,” Justice Nyako held.
She also emphasized that the primary duty of elected legislators is to represent their constituents and that denying Kogi Central residents of their voice in the upper chamber for six months amounted to a democratic injustice.
“No chamber of the National Assembly has the constitutional authority to arbitrarily deny a constituency its elected voice under the guise of disciplinary measures,” she said.
Justice Nyako’s judgment included an unequivocal order that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan be reinstated immediately. The court further restrained the Senate from taking any future action against her that would contravene her constitutional rights without due process.
With this ruling, the Senate must not only restore her to her legislative seat but also allow her to resume full participation in plenary sessions, committee assignments, and all other functions of her office.
There is also an expectation that the Senate will expunge the suspension from its official records, though this was not explicitly ordered by the court. Legal experts note that failure to comply with the judgment could provoke a constitutional crisis and further litigation.
The ruling represents a significant assertion of judicial authority over the internal disciplinary practices of the National Assembly, which for decades have been treated as sacrosanct and immune to external oversight.
Historically, Nigerian courts have taken a cautious approach in intervening in parliamentary affairs, often invoking the doctrine of separation of powers to avoid what might be perceived as judicial overreach. However, Justice Nyako’s ruling reflects a growing jurisprudential shift—one that recognizes that even the legislature must operate within the framework of constitutional democracy.
“This judgment is a victory for the supremacy of the Constitution over arbitrary power,” said civil rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, reacting to the ruling on social media. “No arm of government, including the legislature, can act like a tyrant under the cloak of parliamentary immunity.”
Beyond its legal significance, the case has profound gender implications. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has often been a lightning rod for both praise and controversy in Nigeria’s male-dominated political terrain. Known for her outspoken views, anti-corruption advocacy, and commitment to social justice, she has clashed repeatedly with entrenched political interests in Kogi State and at the national level.
Her suspension, following allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, was widely perceived by feminist organizations as part of a broader effort to intimidate and humiliate women in public life.
“This judgment is not just about one senator. It’s about every woman in Nigeria who has been told to sit down, shut up, or suffer the consequences,” said Dr. Amina Yahaya of Women in Politics Nigeria (WIPN). “We thank the judiciary for reaffirming that political office is not a boys’ club. Women will speak up, and we will not be silenced.”
As of press time, the Senate leadership had not issued an official response to the ruling. However, sources within the National Assembly suggest that Senate President Akpabio is consulting legal advisers on the next steps, including whether to appeal the ruling or comply.
Observers say compliance is the most prudent path, given the political backlash the Senate already faces and the clarity of the court’s declaration. An appeal, if filed, would likely be seen as an attempt to stall justice and escalate tensions between the legislature and the judiciary.
“There’s no ambiguity in the judgment,” said constitutional lawyer Jibrin Okutepa, SAN. “The Senate acted unlawfully, and the court has corrected that. This is not a political matter. It’s a legal and constitutional one.”
The timing of the judgment is politically significant. Coming at a period of heightened tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and various opposition blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections, the court’s ruling has the potential to strengthen opposition morale and energize civic resistance against what many see as the weaponization of legislative privilege.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has built a substantial support base among youth, women, and labor groups, is likely to emerge from this ordeal with even greater political capital. Already, social media is flooded with messages of solidarity, with hashtags like #NatashaIsBack and #JusticeForKogiCentral trending nationwide.
Her reinstatement could also embolden other lawmakers—especially those in opposition—to be more assertive in confronting executive overreach or legislative bullying.
“The Senate just got a wake-up call,” tweeted activist Deji Adeyanju. “You can’t suspend the truth.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is not the first instance of the judiciary overturning legislative suspensions. In the past, courts have ruled against similar actions taken by state Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly.
For instance, in 2018, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja nullified the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who was at the time a vocal critic of Senate leadership. The court ruled that legislative houses do not have the power to suspend members beyond 14 days without breaching constitutional provisions.
What makes Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case unique, however, is its intertwining of gender, political retaliation, and the issue of whistleblower protection—three themes that continue to shape Nigeria’s fragile democratic evolution.
With her reinstatement ordered by the court, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan faces the dual challenge of returning to the Senate chamber with dignity while navigating an environment that remains politically hostile. Allies worry that she may face renewed efforts at marginalization, either through denial of speaking time, exclusion from committee roles, or covert moves to isolate her.
Yet, her victory in court provides a powerful shield. Not only has her name been cleared, but her place in the legislature is now constitutionally fortified.
“This is a moment for resilience and strategy,” said political analyst Dr. Damilola Ojo. “Senator Natasha must leverage this legal win to consolidate her voice and rally support for legislative reform. She has just become one of the most consequential lawmakers in the country.”
The Federal High Court’s ruling in favor of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not merely a personal victory. It is a robust reaffirmation of constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the inviolability of the people’s mandate.
In a nation where power is often exercised with impunity and dissent punished with exclusion, the court has reminded all branches of government that no individual or institution is above the law. It is a reminder that democracy does not end at the ballot box—it must be defended in courts, in chambers, and in the hearts of those who believe in justice.
For Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, this moment is both vindication and opportunity. And for Nigeria, it is a chance to deepen democratic norms—one ruling at a time.