Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court. He challenges specific decisions from the Court of Appeal concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. The move escalates a long-running conflict between the two lawmakers. Akpabio insists the Senate followed proper procedures.
The Dispute Begins
The conflict erupted in February 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the relocation of her seat during a Senate plenary session. She accused Akpabio of targeting her personally. Meanwhile the Senate referred the matter to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
The committee investigated the incident. Senators later voted to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. They cited disorderly conduct as the reason. Akpoti-Uduaghan described the action as unlawful and excessive.
Courts Rule On Suspension
Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. On July 4, 2025, the court ruled in her favor. It declared the suspension excessive and unconstitutional. Moreover the judge found violations of her right to a fair hearing and Senate Standing Orders.
Both parties appealed the decision. The Court of Appeal in Abuja heard the cases. However procedural issues soon arose during the process.
Appeal Court Strikes Key Brief
On November 28, 2025, the Court of Appeal struck out Akpabio’s brief of argument. Judges ruled it exceeded the 35-page limit. Additionally it used incorrect font size and line spacing. Therefore the court denied leave to file a corrected version.
The panel proceeded with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal. It upheld the lower court’s findings. Furthermore, it awarded her N100,000 in costs. The Senate argued it acted within constitutional powers to regulate its affairs.
Move To Supreme Court
Akpabio rejected the Appeal Court’s procedural ruling. He filed an appeal at the Supreme Court in December 2025. On January 21, 2026, his legal team served processes on the respondents. These include Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the committee chairman.
Akpabio seeks several reliefs. He wants the Supreme Court to set aside the November 28 decisions. He also requests permission to rely on his brief or file a compliant one.
Arguments Presented
Akpabio argues court rules serve justice. He states they must yield to constitutional fair hearing rights. Furthermore his team needed extra pages to address a preliminary objection. They also highlight formatting errors in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s documents.
The Senate maintains its presiding officer need not rule immediately on every privilege point. It lawfully activated internal discipline for disorderly conduct. Akpoti-Uduaghan insists she received no fair opportunity to defend herself.
Potential Impact
The Supreme Court decision will shape legislative authority. It could clarify judicial intervention in Senate matters. Moreover the outcome affects senators’ rights and Senate independence. Both sides await the apex court’s ruling with keen interest.
