Akpabio escalates dispute to Supreme Court
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has intensified the ongoing legal fight over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by filing an appeal at the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abuja. This latest move seeks to overturn or reverse rulings by the Court of Appeal concerning the matter. �
• Court documents show Akpabio is asking the Supreme Court for:
Extension of time to apply for leave to appeal;
Leave to appeal on mixed questions of law and fact; and
An order to deem his notice of appeal and brief as properly filed and served — after his appeal was previously challenged on procedural grounds by the appellate court. �
• The suit is listed before the apex court under several case numbers, confirming formal escalation. �
Background to the legal fight
• The controversy dates back to a Senate plenary in February 2025, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns about parliamentary privilege and procedural irregularities. �
• The Senate’s Ethics Committee later investigated and the chamber suspended her for six months, prompting her to challenge the suspension in court — arguing it violated her constitutional rights and Senate Standing Orders. �
• In July 2025, the Federal High Court ruled her suspension excessive and unconstitutional, though this was appealed by the Senate leadership.
At the Court of Appeal, Akpabio’s brief was struck out for procedural defects, and the appellate panel refused to accept an extended brief — further fueling the legal contest. �
What both sides are arguing
• Akpabio’s camp insists the Senate’s action was lawful and within its constitutional powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution to regulate its internal procedures. They argue the issues raised are constitutional and procedural, worthy of Supreme Court scrutiny.
• Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains her suspension was unlawful, excessive, and carried out without fair hearing or proper compliance with Senate rules. Her side says the Senate failed to follow its Standing Orders before disciplining her. �
• Formal service of Supreme Court processes on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers has been confirmed, marking the official start of the apex court phase. �
• The case is now set for full hearing at the Supreme Court, which could provide a final determination on the limits of parliamentary discipline vs. constitutional rights of lawmakers in Nigeria. �
• The outcome could set an important precedent on how far courts can intervene in the internal affairs of the National Assembly and on the procedural boundaries for disciplining elected legislators
