Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Faces Recall Talks: What’s Next for Her Senate Seat?
In a major legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Senate to immediately recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that her suspension was unconstitutional and in violation of her rights as an elected representative.
Justice Binga Nyako who delivered the ruling, stating that the suspension was unconstitutional, as the senate lacked the legal authority to suspend a sitting senator without proper process. It was emphasized that Senator Akpoti, who represents Kogi Central, must be allowed to resume her legislative duties with immediate effect.
Recently, iNaijaNow reported that Senator Natasha is currently facing criminal charges for allegedly defaming the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
After she was granted a 50 million naira bail during her Arraignment, the Kogi State senator is once again gaining grounds with the court’s recent ruling regarding her senatorial position. Senator Natasha was suspended earlier this year following heated allegations and public disagreements involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Later, she had accused both men of plotting against her life, a bold claim that drew widespread attention and eventually led to legal action against her.
The court ruled that the Senate couldn’t have relied only on Chapter 8 of its Standing Orders and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to the judgment, neither of these provisions explicitly outlines a maximum suspension period for lawmakers, making the Senate’s action excessive in this context.
The presiding judge emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution mandates the National Assembly to sit for a minimum of 181 days in a legislative year. Therefore, suspending a senator for nearly that entire duration effectively disenfranchises the people of her constituency. The court described such a move as unconstitutional, as it silences the representation of a whole district in legislative affairs.
Justice Nyako also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt over a satirical apology she posted on Facebook during the ongoing suit, ordering her to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and online within seven days, alongside a ₦5 million fine.
Despite the court’s clear directives, the Senate has not taken immediate action. Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu confirmed that the upper chamber has yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, a prerequisite for any official response. Without the CTC, the Senate cannot enforce or act upon the court’s orders.
He stated, “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment.”
Addressing the judgement, Adaramodu pointed out that, “Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court”. The Senate has applied for the CTC to enable a proper review, and determine the best response to provide on the matter.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan herself wasted no time publicly celebrating the ruling. In a video that quickly circulated online, she announced her intention to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to her supporters and confidence in her victory.
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