New Twist As Akpabio Drags Natasha to Supreme Court, Details Emerge
- Senator Godswill Akpabio has approached Nigeria's highest court over his issues with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
- The dispute revolves around legislative discipline and the boundaries of parliamentary authority in the country
- Observers believe the court's ruling may impact Nigeria's legislative rights and constitutional democracy significantly
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, public affairs, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Lokoja, Kogi State - The legal and political battle arising from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has further escalated as Godswill Akpabio, in his capacity as president of the Senate, has reportedly approached the Supreme Court again to challenge appellate decisions connected to the matter.
Court documents obtained by Legit.ng on Wednesday, January 21, show that Akpabio has filed a motion to regularise and maintain his appeal over the controversial suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker, a case that has sparked nationwide debate on legislative discipline, constitutional rights, and parliamentary authority.
Source: Facebook
The suit, filed at the Supreme Court, Abuja, lists Senator Akpabio as the appellant, while the respondents include Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Nigerian Senate, and the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.
The dispute originated from events during a plenary session of the Senate in February 2025, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues 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, the Kogi Central lawmaker approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, alleging violations of her constitutional right to a fair hearing and non-compliance with the Senate Standing Orders.
In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the trial court considered far-reaching questions relating to parliamentary privilege, internal legislative procedure, and the scope of judicial intervention in legislative affairs.
Akpabio takes appeal to Supreme Court
Following developments at the Court of Appeal, Senator Akpabio has now taken the matter further to the Supreme Court, seeking extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed and served.
The motion of notice was sighted by Legit.ng.
In the application brought pursuant to the Supreme Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act, and relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the appellant argued that the appeal raises substantial constitutional and procedural questions deserving the attention of the apex court.
He contended that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the Constitution, which grants the National Assembly authority to regulate its own procedure.
Senator Akpabio’s legal team maintained that the presiding officer of the Senate is not mandatorily bound to immediately rule on every point of privilege once raised, and that the Senate’s internal disciplinary mechanisms were lawfully activated in response to what it described as disorderly conduct during plenary proceedings.
Natasha challenges senate suspension legality
On her part, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently insisted that her suspension was unlawful, excessive, and carried out in violation of her right to a fair hearing.
She maintained that the Senate failed to comply with its own Standing Orders before referring her to the ethics committee and imposing disciplinary sanctions, thereby denying her the opportunity to properly defend herself.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel was formally served with the Supreme Court processes relating to the appeal, effectively bringing all parties before the court and paving the way for a full legal contest at the apex court.
Source: Facebook
The case also features a related contempt proceeding arising from a social media post made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during the pendency of the suit, which the Federal High Court ruled violated a subsisting restraining order.
The trial court imposed a fine and ordered a public apology, a decision the senator has also challenged on appeal, arguing that the alleged contempt was ex facie curiae and criminal in nature, requiring strict compliance with statutory procedures.
Legal observers said that the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could have profound implications for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, particularly in defining the boundaries between legislative autonomy and judicial oversight.
The case is also expected to clarify the extent to which internal parliamentary actions, especially disciplinary measures, can be subjected to judicial review when allegations of constitutional breaches are raised.
As the matter awaits further action at the Supreme Court, the prolonged legal confrontation continues to draw national attention, with many Nigerians keenly watching for a final resolution that could set a landmark precedent on legislative discipline, separation of powers, and the protection of elected representatives’ rights under the Constitution.
Read more on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan:
- Senator Natasha Akpoti reacts to Regina Daniels’ outcry amid Ned Nwoko’s drug allegations
- Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan petitions senate over Ochanya Ogbanje’s death
Senator Akpoti reacts to colleague’s death
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti had described the news of her colleague's death as painful.
The embattled Kogi Central lawmaker, in a statement, praised Senator Okey Ezea for his support through her battles.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
