According to NewsVista reporters, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal challenging a Federal High Court judgment that nullified Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and ordered her return to the Senate.
The notice of appeal, filed on July 14, 2025, at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeks to overturn Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling from July 4. The judge had described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension as unconstitutional, calling it “excessive” and lacking any legal basis.
Akpabio’s legal team, citing 11 grounds of appeal, argues that the Federal High Court overstepped its bounds by interfering in what they describe as internal parliamentary affairs. They referenced Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, claiming such matters are shielded from court intervention.
Another key argument is that Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to use internal channels like the Senate Committee on Ethics before going to court—contrary to the Senate’s standing orders.
The appeal also claims the court violated Akpabio’s right to fair hearing by deciding on issues that neither side argued in court. His team wants the judgment struck down and the case dismissed completely.
This legal battle now heads to the Court of Appeal—and it could reshape how far the judiciary can go in questioning the actions of lawmakers. The outcome may set a new precedent for handling suspension disputes and internal legislative discipline in Nigeria.
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