The Nigerian Senate has outlined conditions for the possible return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension from legislative duties.
Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako declared the suspension excessive and unconstitutional, stating it deprived Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Kogi Central constituents of representation for nearly an entire legislative session. The court ordered her reinstatement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, was suspended in March for alleged gross misconduct after a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.
Tensions heightened when she publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment an allegation he strongly denied.
In her legal challenge (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that the Senate acted beyond its authority.
Justice Nyako agreed, noting that neither the Senate Standing Rules nor the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act set any clear limits on suspension durations.
She ruled that legislative sanctions must not infringe on citizens’ constitutional rights to representation.
However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt for a satirical apology posted on Facebook during the trial.
She was ordered to issue formal apologies in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days and to pay a ₦5 million fine.
Responding to the ruling, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that the court did not strike down the Senate’s authority to discipline members.
“The judgment recognized our power to sanction members; it only questioned the duration of the suspension,” Adaramodu said.
He added that the Senate would only consider her reinstatement once she fully complies with the court’s directives.
“It’s now her responsibility to meet the court’s terms. After that, the Senate will evaluate her restitution and determine the way forward,” he said.
Senate legal counsel Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial win for the legislature, especially with regard to the contempt charge linked to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s social media post.
“The court did not issue a binding order for reinstatement; it merely observed that the suspension appeared excessive,” Dauda said, downplaying the court’s phrasing as advisory rather than mandatory.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar welcomed the judgment, commending both Justice Nyako and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“I commend Justice Binta Nyako for lifting the obnoxious suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Atiku posted on X (formerly Twitter). “No price is too high in the pursuit of justice.”
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