Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring it a violation of her constitutional rights and the rights of her Kogi Central constituents to representation. The judgment, delivered on Friday, July 4, marks a significant win for the embattled senator amid her ongoing legal battles with the Senate.
The court ruled that while the National Assembly has internal mechanisms to discipline members, the punishment meted out must not undermine democratic principles. Justice Nyako noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was excessive, particularly as it denied her constituency representation for nearly half of a legislative year.
Citing constitutional provisions and precedents, the court emphasized that the National Assembly’s authority to suspend cannot override the constitutional mandate of elected lawmakers to represent their constituents. The judge therefore ordered the Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, to immediately reinstate the lawmaker and allow her to resume her legislative duties without delay.
Despite the ruling in her favor, Akpoti-Uduaghan was also found guilty of contempt of court for mocking a gag order in a Facebook post. Justice Nyako fined her ₦5 million and ordered her to tender a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
This case has drawn widespread attention in Nigeria’s political space, particularly due to the high-profile names involved. Civil society groups, women’s rights activists, and members of the opposition had protested her suspension earlier this year, accusing the Senate leadership of silencing a vocal female lawmaker.
As the Senate faces pressure to comply with the ruling, analysts suggest this judgment could set a strong precedent for curbing excessive disciplinary actions in Nigeria’s legislative chambers, while reaffirming the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic participation.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to release an official statement on the court victory, though her legal team hailed the verdict as “a bold step for legislative accountability and fairness.”
