The legal and political tussle surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has escalated, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio approaching the Supreme Court to challenge earlier appellate court proceedings in the matter.
Court documents sighted in Abuja on Wednesday indicate that Akpabio has filed a motion before the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal arising from the Senate’s decision last year to suspend the Kogi lawmaker.
The development has further intensified national debate over issues of legislative discipline, constitutional rights, parliamentary privilege, and the limits of the National Assembly’s authority.
The suit, filed at the Supreme Court in Abuja, lists Senator Akpabio as the appellant. The respondents include Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.
The controversy traces its roots to a Senate plenary session in February 2025, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns bordering on parliamentary privilege and alleged procedural irregularities. The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, a process that eventually led to her suspension from legislative activities.
Dissatisfied with the disciplinary action, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that her suspension violated her constitutional right to fair hearing and breached relevant provisions of the Senate Standing Orders.
In its judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the trial court examined key issues relating to parliamentary privilege, internal legislative procedures, and the extent to which courts can intervene in legislative affairs.
Following proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Senator Akpabio has now escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact. He is also asking the apex court to deem his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed and served.
The outcome of the case is expected to have far-reaching implications for legislative governance and the balance of power between the judiciary and the National Assembly.
Credit: Vanguard
