Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal challenging a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Senate to lift the suspension imposed on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.
The notice of appeal, dated July 14, 2025, was filed at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
Akpabio is contesting the July 4 ruling by Justice Binta Nyako, which described the six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as “overreaching” and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation.
While the court affirmed the Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members, Justice Nyako held that the length and nature of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension were excessive. The court also imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for contempt, citing a satirical Facebook post shared during the proceedings, which allegedly breached an existing restraining order.
In reaction, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a separate appeal, contesting the contempt ruling on jurisdictional grounds. She argued that the trial court lacked the authority to entertain a contempt charge based on conduct that occurred ex facie curiae—outside the courtroom.
Akpabio’s legal team, in a cross-appeal, also challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, asserting that the matter involves internal parliamentary affairs, which are insulated from judicial review under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.
In his 11-ground appeal, Akpabio faulted the trial court for dismissing his preliminary objection and for issuing rulings that, in his view, intrude upon the legislative autonomy protected by the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
He contended that parliamentary actions—including suspensions, statements during plenary, and Senate resolutions—are immune from court interference. The appeal further argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit was premature, as she failed to exhaust internal mechanisms, particularly the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as outlined in the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as amended).
Akpabio also accused the trial judge of breaching judicial neutrality by raising and deciding issues—such as the excessiveness of the suspension—that were not argued by either party.
Furthermore, the appeal criticised the court for merging interlocutory reliefs with the main claims, a move Akpabio’s counsel argued violated established legal procedures. They also claimed the suit should have been struck out for failure to comply with Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Act, which requires a three-month pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly before initiating legal proceedings.
Akpabio is urging the appellate court to allow his appeal, set aside the High Court’s decision, and uphold the Senate’s disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.