The Senate has listed conditions that must be met before Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can be reinstated, following a Federal High Court ruling that overturned her suspension.
Justice Binta Nyako, delivering judgment in Abuja on Friday, ruled that the six-month suspension handed to Akpoti-Uduaghan was excessive and violated the constitutional right of her Kogi Central constituents to representation. The court emphasized that while the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such actions must not interfere with democratic rights.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March after a fallout with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The conflict escalated after she publicly accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting alleged sexual advances — an allegation Akpabio has denied. She later filed a legal suit challenging the suspension.
Justice Nyako ruled that both the Senate’s rules and the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act failed to set clear boundaries on the length of a suspension. She stated that the nearly 180-day suspension deprived her constituents of fair representation, especially since the Senate is constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days a year.
However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt due to a satirical apology she posted on Facebook during the case. She was ordered to issue a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, and to pay a ₦5 million fine.
Reacting to the verdict, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the senator would not be reinstated immediately. He explained that the Senate would only consider her return after she fulfills the court’s directives. According to him, the burden is now on Akpoti-Uduaghan to comply with the court’s orders before the Senate can review the matter.
The Senate’s legal counsel, Paul Dauda, described the ruling as a partial win for the Senate, especially as the court supported its right to discipline members and penalized Akpoti-Uduaghan over her social media post.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised the ruling and commended Akpoti-Uduaghan for defending her rights in a male-dominated political space. He encouraged others to stand firm in the face of injustice.
The Senate is expected to revisit her case once she complies fully with the court’s conditions.
