The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that the Senate acted within its constitutional and procedural powers.
The judgment was delivered on Monday by a three-member panel of the appellate court in a unanimous decision on the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1107/2025, filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Clerk of the National Assembly and three others.
Court: Suspension Did Not Violate Rights
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the Senate’s decision to suspend the lawmaker did not breach her parliamentary privileges or constitutional rights, dismissing claims that the action was unlawful.
The court ruled that the Red Chamber acted in line with established legislative procedures.
Relief for Natasha as Court Quashes Contempt Fine
However, the appellate court set aside the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine earlier imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over a satirical apology letter directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This aspect of the ruling was seen as partial relief for the suspended lawmaker.
Why Natasha Was Denied the Floor — Court Explains
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice A. B. Muhammed held that the Senate President acted within the Senate Rules when he denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025.
According to the court, the senator was not seated in her officially designated seat at the time.
The court emphasized that:
- The Senate President has the authority to reassign seats to lawmakers.
- Senators are only permitted to speak from their officially allotted seats during plenary sessions.
Senate President Acted Lawfully — Court Rules
Justice Muhammed further stated that the Senate President’s actions were consistent with legislative rules and did not amount to suppression or victimisation of the senator.
More Details Expected
Further details surrounding the judgment are expected to emerge as reactions continue to trail the ruling.
