By Prosper Mene
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension from the National Assembly. tis was .add public in a statement released via the body’s official X account on Tuesday.
SERAP condemned the suspension as a “grave violation” of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations, urging the Senate to uphold the rule of law by complying with the court’s directive.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled on Friday, July 4, 2025, that the Senate’s suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was “excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of her constituents’ rights.” The court ordered her immediate reinstatement, dismissing arguments by Akpabio’s legal team that the matter was an internal Senate affair beyond judicial oversight. The ruling emphasized that the suspension, imposed in March 2025 for alleged gross misconduct, lacked proportionality and deprived Kogi Central of representation.
SERAP’s statement demanded that Akpabio ensure a “smooth return” for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate “today or any other day of her choosing,” while restoring all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges. The organization stressed that the Senate must set an example by obeying judicial decisions to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and legal system. “The Senate leadership must immediately obey court order, reinstate Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and fully restore all her legislative rights,” SERAP declared.
The controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension started from a dispute with Senate President Akpabio, including allegations of sexual harassment she made against him in a petition and a subsequent live television interview. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended her suspension, citing violations of Senate rules and false claims against Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Her suspension included the withdrawal of her salary, security details, and access to the National Assembly premises.
Despite the court’s ruling, the Senate has delayed action, stating it awaits the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before reinstating the senator. Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu also noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan must comply with court conditions, including a ₦5 million fine and a formal apology for contempt, after she published a satirical apology to Akpabio on her Facebook page on April 7, 2025, violating a court gag order.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, prompting heightened tensions as the Senate braces for a potential showdown.
SERAP’s call speaks broader sentiments from advocacy groups like Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), which affirmed the court’s authority to compel the Senate to act under Section 6 of the Nigerian Constitution. As the standoff continues, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the Senate will comply with the court’s order or escalate the matter further, testing Nigeria’s commitment to judicial independence and democratic principles.
