The Court of Appeal on Monday upheld the Senate’s suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a decisive affirmation of parliamentary authority and the separation of powers.
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal ruled in a unanimous judgment (CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025) that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers when it disciplined Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court emphasized that the authority of the Senate to regulate and discipline its members is protected under the Constitution, and courts may only intervene in cases of clear statutory or constitutional violations.
However, the appellate court partially ruled in favor of the senator by striking out a N5 million fine and apology order imposed in related contempt proceedings, which she had consistently challenged as illegal and unconstitutional.
Senate Hails Court Ruling
The Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, praised the judgment, stating:
“The ruling decisively reinforces parliamentary autonomy and separation of powers, confirming that the Senate’s power to discipline its members is constitutionally protected and justiciable only where there is a clear breach of the Constitution or statute.”
Adaramodu added that disciplinary measures do not infringe fundamental rights unless the rules governing legislative participation are violated.
Background: The Seat Reassignment Dispute
The conflict began on February 20, 2025, when Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor during plenary after she refused to speak from her reassigned seat. This led to her suspension and referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, sparking a legal battle over the limits of legislative discipline and judicial oversight.
Justice A. B. Muhammed, delivering the lead judgment, clarified that the Senate acted in strict compliance with its Standing Rules, which empower the Senate President to allocate and reassign seats. The court held that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to comply justified her suspension under Order Six, Rule Two.
Court Rejects Contempt Fine
The court also rejected her claims that the suspension violated an ex parte order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, noting that the order had lapsed. However, the N5 million fine and apology order imposed by Justice Binta Nyako were overturned due to procedural errors, including failure to properly serve Forms 48 and 49.
Implications for Legislative Discipline
Legal experts noted that the ruling underscores that parliamentary discipline must be exercised within constitutional and procedural boundaries. A source from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team stated:
“The Court of Appeal has reinforced the principle that no authority is above the law. Disciplinary powers must comply with due process, or they will be overturned.”
Efforts to obtain direct comments from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lead counsel, West Idahosa, were unsuccessful at the time of filing.
