Senate Sets Conditions for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Return

[Shola joshua]

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan may have won a key legal battle, but her return to the Senate still hangs in the balance—pending one crucial step: an apology.

On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the six-month suspension handed down by the Senate was excessive and should be lifted. But the Senate is not backing down just yet.

In a firm response, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the lawmaker from Kogi Central must first comply with the court’s directives—including issuing a formal apology—before her reinstatement can be considered.

“The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator,” Adaramodu said. “Once she does what the court has asked—restitution—the Senate will sit and decide what next.”

Background: A Stormy Suspension

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for “gross misconduct” following a public dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The tension escalated when, during a televised interview, she accused Akpabio of penalizing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances—a claim Akpabio has denied.

She later filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) challenging her suspension, arguing that it violated her constitutional right to represent the people of Kogi Central in the National Assembly.

Justice Binta Nyako, delivering the verdict, sided with Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court ruled that while the Senate has the authority to discipline members, suspending a senator for nearly 180 of the 181 annual sitting days effectively stripped constituents of their right to representation.

“Sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament,” Justice Nyako declared.

Contempt Charges and Restitution
However, it wasn’t a total win for Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Nyako also found her guilty of contempt over a Facebook post from April 27, in which she issued a sarcastic apology relating to her suspension.

The judge ordered her to publish a sincere apology in two national newspapers and repost it on Facebook within seven days. A ₦5 million fine was also imposed.

Senate Holds Its Ground

Reacting to the ruling, the Senate emphasized that while it respects the judiciary, it is not bound to act until Akpoti-Uduaghan fulfills the court’s terms.

“The onus is now on her,” Adaramodu said. “Once she complies, we will review her restitution and decide our next line of action.”

Senate counsel, Paul Dauda, SAN, described the judgment as a “partial victory” for the Red Chamber. He noted that the court upheld the Senate’s right to maintain internal discipline, even though it took issue with the length of the suspension.

“The judge did not order reinstatement—she only offered an opinion (obiter dictum) that the suspension may have been excessive,” Dauda clarified.

He added that the Senate would study the full ruling before determining its next steps.

Public Reaction and Atiku’s Praise
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar weighed in on the development, commending both the judiciary and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku praised Justice Nyako for “lifting the obnoxious suspension” and saluted Akpoti-Uduaghan for standing up for her rights.

“I also hail Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension… No price should be too high to pay in the pursuit of justice and the assertion of one’s rights,” he wrote.

What Happens Next?
As it stands, the ball is in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s court. If she publishes the required apologies and pays the fine, the Senate has committed to reviewing the matter.

Until then, her seat in the Red Chamber remains vacant—and the people of Kogi Central continue to wait for their voice to be restored in the Senate.

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