The Nigerian Senate has declared that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will not be reinstated immediately despite a Federal High Court ruling overturning her six-month suspension, insisting that she must meet certain conditions before returning to the Red Chamber.
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered judgment on Friday in Abuja, ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, stressing that the prolonged absence of a senator amounted to denying her constituents the right to representation.
The judge, however, also found the lawmaker guilty of contempt over a social media post and imposed a N5 million fine.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party, was suspended in March following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.
The matter escalated when the senator publicly accused Akpabio of retaliating against her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances—a claim Akpabio has consistently denied.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged her suspension, asking the court to declare it unlawful.
Justice Nyako faulted both Chapter Eight of the Senate Standing Orders and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, stating they failed to clearly define limits for disciplinary suspensions.
“The Senate cannot, under the guise of internal discipline, disenfranchise the electorate. The court is not removing the Senate’s power to discipline members, but such powers must be exercised within the bounds of the constitution,” the judge ruled.
Despite this, the court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of civil contempt for a satirical Facebook post made during the case and ordered her to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
Reacting to the judgment, Senate Spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, said the Senate would only consider her reinstatement after she complies fully with the court’s directives.
“The Senate’s disciplinary authority remains intact. The court has only advised on the limits of that power,” Adaramodu stated.
“She must first carry out the restitution ordered by the court. After that, the Senate will reconvene to assess her conduct and decide the next steps.”
He emphasized that the court did not order immediate reinstatement but rather left it to the Senate to decide her fate after compliance.
“The ball is now in her court,” he added.
Also speaking, Senate Counsel Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory, noting that the court upheld the Senate’s power to discipline members but also highlighted the need for proportionality.
“There was no order to lift the suspension—only a comment that it may have been excessive,” Dauda said. “We will study the judgment and respond appropriately.”
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Justice Nyako for her “courageous” decision. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he commended Akpoti-Uduaghan for defending her constitutional rights.
“I hail Senator Natasha for standing up against what she believed was an injustice in a chamber where women are already marginalized. Justice must never come at the cost of silence,” Atiku said.
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