Power Tussle Deepens as Senate President Challenges Ruling on Suspension; Natasha Accuses Akpabio of Political Intimidation
The political feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has escalated, as Akpabio filed an appeal challenging a Federal High Court ruling that nullified Natasha’s six-month suspension from the Senate.
The appeal, lodged at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on July 14, 2025, seeks to overturn the July 4 judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, who described the suspension as “excessive” and without legal basis. The ruling also directed Natasha’s immediate reinstatement to her seat representing Kogi Central.
Akpabio, through his legal team, filed an 11-ground appeal (Appeal No. CA/A//2025), arguing that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over what he termed “internal affairs” of the National Assembly. He invoked Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that matters involving Senate plenary actions—including suspensions—are insulated from judicial review under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
Furthermore, Akpabio contended that the trial court erred by dismissing his preliminary objection and raising new legal issues, such as the proportionality of the suspension, without affording both parties a fair hearing. He insisted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had failed to exhaust internal dispute resolution procedures, particularly through the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as outlined in the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended).
Senator Natasha has fired back, dismissing Akpabio’s appeal as politically motivated. Though she declined an official statement when approached at a documentary screening event in Abuja, she tersely remarked, “Did you also ask him to tell you why he appealed it?” before leaving the venue.
The controversy dates back to a heated altercation between the two lawmakers on February 20, 2025, over seating arrangements in the Red Chamber. Natasha later accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and unethical quid pro quo suggestions, allegations the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed on procedural grounds. She was then suspended for six months for “unruly behaviour,” a decision that denied her salary, office access, and security detail.
In her successful legal challenge, Justice Nyako ruled that the suspension infringed on her constituents' right to representation and lacked sufficient justification. While the court fined her N5 million for contempt over a social media post made during the proceedings, it unequivocally ordered her recall to the Senate.
The unfolding drama underscores deepening tensions in the 10th National Assembly and sets the stage for a potentially precedent-setting legal battle over the limits of parliamentary privilege and judicial oversight in Nigeria’s democracy.
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