Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate Comeback Falters as Akpabio Takes Battle to Appeal Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio

The prospect of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, returning to the Senate appears increasingly unlikely as Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenges the Federal High Court ruling that recommended her reinstatement.

Akpabio, through his legal team, filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja against the July 4 judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako. The judgment had advised the Senate to consider recalling Akpoti-Uduaghan from her six-month suspension, which the court deemed “excessive.”

The appeal, filed on July 14 and marked CA/A//2025, stems from suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, which was initiated by Akpoti-Uduaghan to contest her suspension from the Red Chamber.

In his 11-ground appeal, Akpabio urged the appellate court to set aside the judgment, arguing that the trial court erred in assuming jurisdiction over what he described as internal legislative affairs. He cited Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution, contending that such matters fall outside the scope of judicial review.

The Senate President further criticized the court for dismissing his preliminary objection and for issuing directives that he argues interfere with parliamentary procedures.

According to Akpabio, actions taken during plenary including suspensions and resolutions are shielded from judicial scrutiny by the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

He maintained that such decisions should not be subject to litigation.

Akpabio also argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit was premature, as she had not exhausted the Senate’s internal redress mechanisms, particularly the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as stipulated in the 2023 (amended) Senate Standing Orders.

He further accused the trial court of denying him a fair hearing by raising issues that were not presented by either party specifically, whether the length of the suspension was excessive and then proceeding to recommend her recall without giving both parties an opportunity to address the matter.

The controversy dates back to February 20, 2025, when a heated exchange reportedly erupted between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. She later alleged that Akpabio had sexually harassed her and had made quid pro quo suggestions in exchange for parliamentary duties.

The Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her petition on procedural grounds and suspended her for six months for what was described as “unruly behavior.” During the suspension, she was denied access to her office, salary, and official security