By Adenike Lawal
The legal tussle over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has entered a new phase, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio taking the matter to the Supreme Court.
Court documents sighted in Abuja on Wednesday show that Akpabio has filed fresh processes at the apex court, seeking to sustain his appeal arising from the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In the suit, Akpabio is listed as the appellant, while the respondents include Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.
The dispute stems from a Senate plenary in February 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues relating to parliamentary privilege and alleged procedural lapses. The matter was referred to the ethics committee, which later recommended her suspension.
The senator challenged the action at the Federal High Court, Abuja, arguing that her suspension violated her right to fair hearing and the Senate Standing Orders. In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the court considered issues bordering on legislative discipline and constitutional limits.
Following proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio is now seeking leave of the Supreme Court to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact. He is also requesting an extension of time to regularise his notice of appeal and brief of argument.
Akpabio argues that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to regulate its internal affairs.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that her suspension was unlawful and excessive, insisting that due process was not followed. Her legal team confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court filings on January 21, 2026.
Legal observers say the case could set a major precedent on the limits of legislative authority and judicial oversight in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
