Senate President Godswill Akpabio has escalated his legal battle with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Supreme Court, challenging court decisions that voided her suspension from the Senate.
In the appeal, Akpabio is listed as the appellant, while Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, are named as respondents.
The dispute traces back to a Senate plenary session in February 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a matter of privilege, alleging procedural violations.
The issue was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which later recommended her suspension.
Challenging the decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that the Senate breached her right to a fair hearing and failed to comply with its Standing Orders.
In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the court ruled in her favour, describing the suspension as excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of due process.
Unhappy with the outcome, Akpabio pursued the matter at the Court of Appeal and has now taken it further to the Supreme Court.
He is seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, permission to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order validating his notice of appeal and filed brief of argument.
In his submissions, the former Akwa Ibom governor argued that the Senate acted within the authority granted under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its internal affairs.
He also maintained that the Senate President is not required to rule immediately on every point of privilege and that the Senate lawfully triggered its disciplinary mechanisms.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, on her part, has consistently insisted that her suspension was unlawful and imposed without a fair hearing, stressing that the Senate failed to follow its own established procedures.
It was confirmed on Thursday that her legal team had been served with the Supreme Court processes.
The case also features a related contempt issue stemming from a social media post made by Alpo to-do afghan while the suit was pending.
The Federal High Court had earlier fined her and ordered a public apology, a ruling she has also appealed.
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Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s eventual decision could set a significant precedent on the scope of legislative discipline and the extent of judicial oversight of parliamentary actions.
The latest development comes just weeks after Akpabio announced his intention to withdraw pending court cases against his political adversaries.
Akpoti-Uduaghan eventually resumed her legislative duties on September 23, 2025, after completing a six-month suspension and regaining access to her office at the National Assembly.
Her office had been sealed since March 6, 2025, following the suspension linked to alleged misconduct during a protest over the reassignment of her Senate seat on February 20.
Despite the suspension lapsing in September, her return was delayed by ongoing legal disputes and resistance from the Senate leadership.
Even after the July 4 judgment, her initial notification to resume duties was turned down by the Senate before she was eventually allowed back.