By Prosper Mene
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her bold challenge against her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate, describing it as a significant victory for democracy and women’s representation.
In a statement shared on his verified social media handle, Atiku also commended Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja for her courageous ruling in overturning what he called an “obnoxious” and unconstitutional suspension.The Federal High Court, in a judgment delivered on Friday, July 4, 2025, nullified the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, deeming it excessive and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation. Justice Nyako ruled that the six-month suspension exceeded the 181 days lawmakers are expected to sit in a legislative cycle, effectively denying Kogi Central adequate representation. The court ordered the Senate to immediately recall the senator to her legislative duties.
Atiku, in his statement, hailed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for “not sleeping on her rights” in a chamber where women are already marginalized. “I commend Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for the courage in lifting the obnoxious suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central),” he wrote. “I also hail Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension by standing firm against what she believed was an injustice.”
However, the ruling was not without controversy. Justice Nyako also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for posting a satirical apology on her Facebook page on April 27, 2025, directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite a court order barring public comments on the case. The court fined her ₦5 million and ordered her to issue unconditional apologies in two national newspapers and on social media.
The Senate, while acknowledging the court’s ruling, stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement is conditional, though specific conditions were not detailed in initial reports. The Action Collective, a civic advocacy group, praised the judiciary’s decision, calling it a “resounding affirmation” of the courts as a refuge for the oppressed and urging Nigerians to seek redress through legal means.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, reacting to the judgment, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision in a post on X, emphasizing her commitment to serving her constituents. The ruling has sparked widespread discussion, with many, including Atiku, viewing it as a step toward upholding justice and protecting women’s rights in Nigerian politics.
