The Senate has said it will only consider reinstating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) after she fully complies with court-ordered conditions following the Federal High Court’s nullification of her six-month suspension.
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Justice Binta Nyako ruled on Friday that the suspension imposed by the Senate in March was excessive and unconstitutional, noting that it infringed on the right of Kogi Central constituents to be represented in the National Assembly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, was suspended for alleged misconduct after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment during a televised interview—a claim Akpabio denied. Her legal challenge was filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025.
In her judgment, Justice Nyako faulted both the Senate Standing Rules and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act for failing to set a time limit on suspensions. She stressed that while the Senate has authority to discipline its members, such actions must not deny representation to citizens.
However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a satirical apology posted on her Facebook page. Justice Nyako ordered her to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on social media within seven days, and to pay a N5 million fine.
Reacting to the judgment, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the court did not override the Senate’s constitutional powers and would not immediately reinstate the embattled senator.
“Which judgment are we appealing when they (the court) said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members? The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator.
“It was established that the senator in question erred. The court has already told her to go and do some things, like restitution, so after the restitution, the Senate will now sit again and consider the content of that restitution, and that will inform our next line of action,” Adaramodu said.
The Senate, he explained, would only reconvene to deliberate on the matter after Akpoti-Uduaghan had complied with the court’s directives.
“The onus is no more on us now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and determine how to deal with her matter.
“The first reaction now will not be from us, the court has ruled, so once she takes the step to redress and does what the court has directed her to do, then the Senate will sit and look at the content of her reaction as prescribed by the court,” Adaramodu added.
Speaking after the ruling, Senate counsel Paul Dauda, SAN, said the court’s decision was a partial victory. He noted that while the court found the suspension excessive, it upheld the Senate’s power to discipline its members and granted relief for contempt.
“There was no direct order lifting the suspension. The court’s remark was only advisory. We await the full judgment and will consult with our colleagues before taking further action,” Dauda added.
Also commenting, Senate President’s legal adviser, Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN, said: “After months of defiance, the court has ruled decisively against Senator Natasha. Despite being asked by the Senate through a resolution to apologise to the Senate since February, she chose instead to approach the court. Five months later, the outcome is clear: she must now render a public apology, not only in the Senate chamber, but also in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page. In addition, the court imposed a ₦5 million fine payable to the Federal Government. A classic case of being penny wise, pound foolish.”
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