Akpabio Escalates Battle with Natasha, Takes Case to Supreme Court

By Emmanuel Kwada

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‎Senate President Godswill Akpabio has intensified the protracted legal dispute surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) by approaching Nigeria’s apex court to challenge decisions from the Court of Appeal.

‎Court documents obtained by major news outlets, including Punch Newspapers, Leadership, Vanguard, and SaharaReporters, confirm that Akpabio, in his official capacity as Senate President, filed a motion at the Supreme Court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal against lower court rulings related to the controversial six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan in early 2025.

‎The filings, marked under SC/CV/1111/2025 (with linked Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025 and original Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), include requests for an extension of time to seek leave to appeal on grounds involving mixed law and fact.

‎Akpabio is also asking the Supreme Court to deem his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed and served.

‎The dispute traces back to a February 2025 Senate plenary session where Akpoti-Uduaghan raised points of privilege and alleged procedural irregularities, leading to her suspension without pay or privileges, effective March 6, 2025. Her office was sealed, and the Senate cited breaches of its rules and ethics.

‎Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the action in the Federal High Court in Abuja, which in July 2025 ruled the suspension unlawful, violated principles of fair hearing, and failed to comply with Senate Standing Orders.

‎Subsequent Court of Appeal proceedings reportedly struck out parts of the Senate’s defense—including motions over procedural issues like page limits and font usage—prompting fines and setbacks for Akpabio’s side.

‎Akpabio’s Supreme Court application argues that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to discipline its members and maintain internal order.

‎He contends that lower court interventions amount to judicial overreach into legislative autonomy and separation of powers.

‎Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently described her suspension as excessive, unlawful, and carried out without due process or fair hearing, insisting the Senate disregarded its own rules. She resumed duties in September 2025 after completing the term but faced initial resistance.

‎The lawmaker has also linked the disciplinary action to broader allegations, including claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President—accusations Akpabio has denied and previously sought to address through separate defamation proceedings (some of which he reportedly withdrew).

‎As proceedings move to the apex court, political observers anticipate further developments that could influence the balance of power within the National Assembly and broader governance in Nigeria’s 10th Senate. Both parties have yet to issue fresh public statements on the latest filing, but the escalation signals no immediate resolution to the lingering rift.