Abuja, Nigeria
In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Justice Binta Fatima Nyako delivered the verdict, declaring the suspension “unconstitutional and unlawful”
.According to the court, the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan denied her constituents adequate representation, thereby contravening the Constitution.
The court also criticized Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act, describing them as “overreaching” and failing to specify a maximum period for suspending a serving lawmaker.
The court has ordered the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan forthwith, allowing her to resume her duties as a senator.
This decision comes after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged her suspension, arguing it was excessive and unjust.
The suspension was met with controversy, with some arguing it was a result of a clash between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat allocation. The suspension was imposed on March 5, 2025.
There have been conflicting reports on the court’s stance, with some suggesting a previous ruling found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and fined her N5 million.
However, the latest development indicates that the court has nullified her suspension but the Senate has yet to comment on the court’s decision.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement is expected to restore representation to her constituents in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
