In a landmark decision on Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring her six-month suspension by the Senate as unlawful, excessive, and a violation of due process.
Justice Binta Nyako, delivering the ruling, held that the Kogi Central lawmaker’s suspension ran afoul of Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which limits legislative suspensions to a maximum of 14 sitting days.
The court’s ruling sends a strong message against the abuse of internal disciplinary powers by Nigeria’s legislative arm, a move that legal analysts and civil society groups say could reshape how lawmakers are sanctioned in the future.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was controversially suspended on March 6, 2025, after a fiery exchange during Senate plenary.
The Senate leadership accused her of “unruly behavior,” including refusal to sit at an assigned seat, speaking out of turn, and making “unsubstantiated allegations” during deliberations.
However, the suspension raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, coming just days after Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—allegations that were swiftly dismissed by the Senate without an independent investigation.
Justice Nyako was unequivocal in her ruling, emphasizing that no arm of government is above the law, and that disciplinary actions—no matter the internal rules—must comply with statutory limits and constitutional protections.
“A legislative house cannot suspend a member beyond the 14-day limit provided by law. Any action exceeding this threshold is ultra vires, null, and void,” the court stated.
The judge further criticized the punitive nature of the Senate’s actions, which included sealing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office, freezing her legislative entitlements, withdrawing her security detail, and barring her from entering the National Assembly complex.
Civil rights organizations and legal experts have hailed the ruling as a win for the rule of law and a warning against the political weaponization of parliamentary discipline.
The judgment marks a pivotal moment in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal and political battle, potentially clearing the way for her to resume her legislative duties and reclaim her seat in the Senate chambers.
It remains to be seen whether the Senate will appeal the ruling or move to comply with the court’s directives swiftly. Meanwhile, her reinstatement could shift political dynamics in the Red Chamber, especially amid growing scrutiny of Senate leadership under Akpabio.
As pressure mounts for accountability and institutional reform, this ruling reaffirms a critical principle: no institution, however powerful, is above constitutional limits.
