Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal to overturn the court ruling favoring Senator Natasha.
He insists the Senate’s disciplinary powers should not be tampered with by external judicial decisions.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge the ruling that directed the Nigerian Senate to reverse the suspension of Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The appeal, filed on July 14, 2025, contests the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court on July 4. In that decision, the judge described the Senate’s six-month suspension of Senator Natasha as excessive and a denial of her constituents’ right to be represented in the National Assembly.
Justice Nyako acknowledged that the Senate has the legal power to discipline its members, but noted that the method and length of the suspension crossed acceptable limits. The court also imposed a five million naira fine on Natasha, citing a Facebook post she made during the case, which the court viewed as a violation of a standing restraining order.
In response, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has also taken her case to the Court of Appeal. Her appeal challenges the contempt fine, arguing that the court lacked the authority to punish her for actions that happened outside its courtroom.
Akpabio’s legal team, through a cross-appeal, questioned the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction to intervene in what they described as the internal workings of the legislature. They cited Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution and claimed that such matters are shielded from judicial review.
The Senate President submitted 11 points in his appeal, arguing that the court erred in dismissing his earlier objection and in making statements that affect the independence of the Senate. He believes that disciplinary actions like suspensions and resolutions made during plenary sessions should remain within the exclusive control of lawmakers.
Akpabio also argued that Natasha’s legal challenge was filed too early, stating that she should have first approached the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions in line with the Senate’s internal procedures.
The case will now be reviewed by the Court of Appeal.
