Akpabio Approaches Supreme Court Over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a fresh appeal at the Supreme Court, challenging Court of Appeal rulings related to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from legislative duties.
Court documents show that Akpabio, acting as Senate President, is seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal over the six-month suspension.
The suit lists Akpabio as the appellant, while the respondents include Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
The dispute began in February 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns during Senate plenary over parliamentary privilege and alleged procedural irregularities.
The matter was referred to the Senate ethics committee, leading to her suspension.
Dissatisfied, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, claiming her constitutional right to fair hearing was violated and that the Senate did not follow its Standing Orders.
On July 4, 2025, the court examined the scope of judicial intervention in legislative affairs and parliamentary procedure.
After the Court of Appeal dismissed his brief in November 2025 for procedural defects, including exceeding the 35-page limit and incorrect formatting, Akpabio now seeks the Supreme Court’s intervention.
His application requests an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and recognition that his notice of appeal and brief were properly filed and served.
In the Supreme Court documents, Akpabio argues that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the Constitution and that internal disciplinary procedures were lawfully applied.
His team contends that procedural rules should not override constitutional principles, citing the need to ensure fair hearing.
The Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that Akpabio’s brief was “incurably defective,” rejected his application to file an extended brief, and awarded N100,000 in costs to Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The ruling upheld the lower court’s finding that her suspension was “excessive” and unconstitutional.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently maintained that her suspension violated her right to fair hearing and that the Senate failed to follow its own Standing Orders.
On January 21, 2026, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team was formally served with the Supreme Court processes, setting the stage for a full legal contest.
The case also involves a related contempt proceeding over a social media post by the senator during the ongoing suit, which she has appealed, arguing that proper statutory procedures were not followed.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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