Court to Rule on Legality of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension on June 27… The Federal High Court in Abuja has announced it will deliver its judgment on the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on June 27, 2025.
The case, which has attracted widespread attention, centers on the six-month suspension imposed by the Nigerian Senate in March 2025, which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging in court. The suspension has sparked intense legal debates, with supporters of the senator accusing the Senate of violating her constitutional rights.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended by the Nigerian Senate for alleged misconduct. The official reasons cited for the suspension included accusations that she “disrupted Senate proceedings,” particularly by speaking without permission and failing to sit in her assigned seat during legislative sessions. However, critics argue that the suspension was politically motivated and an infringement on her rights as an elected representative.
What made the suspension even more contentious was the existence of a court order issued prior to the Senate’s action, which restrained the legislature from taking disciplinary measures against her. Despite the court’s ruling, the Senate proceeded with the suspension, igniting accusations of contempt of court against the Senate leadership, especially Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This move further complicated the situation and sparked public debates on the balance of power between the judiciary and the legislature.
In response to the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a suit before the Federal High Court to have the Senate’s decision overturned. Her legal team sought an injunction to halt the suspension, arguing that it was unlawful and violated her rights to free speech and fair treatment in the Senate.
READ MORE:JAMB: Varsity Heads Set to Review UTME After Alarming Mass Failure
Initially, the court issued an interim order suspending the Senate’s action. However, on March 19, 2025, the Federal High Court vacated this order, allowing the suspension to take effect. Despite this, the senator’s legal team pressed on with the case, challenging the constitutionality of the suspension and calling for a final ruling on the matter. With the court now set to deliver its judgment on June 27, all eyes are on the Federal High Court as the case heads toward its climax.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has generated strong reactions from both the public and legal experts. Prominent human rights organizations and legal professionals have expressed concerns about the legality of the Senate’s actions. Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), called the suspension unconstitutional, pointing to previous court rulings that have deemed similar actions by legislative bodies as unlawful.
Falana emphasized that the Senate’s decision to suspend the senator, despite the existing court order, sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in Nigeria. According to him, the legislature’s disregard for the judiciary could undermine the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy, as it would signal that legislative actions are above the law.
In a similar vein, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly condemned the suspension. SERAP has called for an immediate reversal of the decision, warning that failure to do so could lead to further legal action. The organization argued that the suspension violated the senator’s right to freedom of expression and is a clear example of the legislature overstepping its constitutional powers.
The upcoming judgment on June 27 is set to be a defining moment for Nigerian democracy. A ruling in favor of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan could send a strong message about the supremacy of the judiciary and the importance of upholding constitutional rights, even against the actions of powerful institutions like the legislature. Such a ruling could reinforce the role of the courts in holding legislative bodies accountable, ensuring that elected officials are protected from arbitrary or politically motivated actions.
On the other hand, a ruling in favor of the Senate could have far-reaching implications for the relationship between the legislature and the judiciary. It could embolden other legislative bodies to take actions without fear of judicial oversight, potentially undermining the checks and balances that are fundamental to the democratic process. This could set a dangerous precedent where legislative bodies could bypass court rulings to carry out disciplinary actions against their members, thereby eroding public trust in the rule of law.
As the June 27 date for judgment draws near, the eyes of the nation are focused on the Federal High Court. The court’s ruling will not only determine the future of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but also set an important precedent for the balance of power between Nigeria’s legislative and judicial branches. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the protection of fundamental rights in the country, especially the right to free speech and fair treatment for elected officials.
In the days leading up to the judgment, there is no doubt that this case will continue to be a hot topic of discussion across Nigeria’s legal and political circles. It serves as a reminder of the critical need for the judiciary to safeguard the rights of citizens and maintain the integrity of democratic processes in the country.
