Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was on Tuesday barred from entering the Senate chambers, despite a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension.
The unfolding drama at the National Assembly has sparked renewed concerns over constitutional disobedience and the rule of law, as the embattled senator accused Senate leadership of defying a valid judicial decision.
“Senate Has Become Lawbreakers” – Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly gate, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed dismay over being locked out of her constitutional duties after serving due notice to the Senate.
“It’s unfortunate that we got in today, July 22, 2025, having duly notified the Senate through two letters of my intention to resume. I’m disappointed by the overwhelming presence of armed policemen who blocked my entry into the chamber,” she said.
“The Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio has decided to become lawbreakers. This is not about me—it’s about a duly elected senator fulfilling her mandate from the people of Kogi Central,” she added.
Court Declared Suspension Unconstitutional
On July 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja declared Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension unconstitutional and advised her reinstatement. The ruling emphasized that the Senate had overstepped its bounds, and that the suspension lacked legal justification.
Despite the judgment, Senate leadership has refused to comply, arguing that the court’s ruling was “advisory” and not an enforceable order.
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed that argument, citing Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution, which defines a court’s “decision” to include judgments, orders, and recommendations. She also referenced Section 287(3), which mandates that all authorities in Nigeria must obey court decisions.
Appeal Filed by Akpabio, Not the Senate
The Kogi lawmaker presented documents showing that Senate President Akpabio, not the National Assembly or the Senate as an institution, had filed an appeal against the judgment. She stressed that the Senate as a whole has not contested the ruling and accused Akpabio of acting unilaterally.
“It is clear from the appeal documents that it is Akpabio himself who is challenging the court’s decision—not the Senate,” she said, holding up the filing to reporters.
She added that joining the Senate and the Ethics Committee as respondents in his personal appeal highlights internal conflict and a troubling abuse of power.
Support From Civil Society
Earlier, socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu pledged her support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying she would accompany her to the National Assembly. Yesufu criticized the Senate’s refusal to obey court orders and decried systemic discrimination against female politicians.
“Only four out of 109 senators are women, and yet one is being singled out for punishment. We’re tired of women being treated as second-class citizens,” Yesufu said.
What’s Next?
The Senate has yet to issue a formal response to the Tuesday standoff. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains firm in her stance to resume legislative duties in line with the court’s verdict.
As the legal and political showdown continues, many Nigerians are watching closely to see whether constitutional order will prevail—or if institutional defiance will set a dangerous precedent in the country’s democratic space.
