Federal High Court Orders Senate to Reinstate Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

In a landmark judgment that reinforces the limits of legislative authority, the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Nigerian Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.  

The ruling was delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on Thursday, who deemed the Senate’s six-month suspension of the senator as “excessive” and lacking legal merit. According to the judge, the disciplinary measure taken against Akpoti-Uduaghan violated her constitutional rights and was not backed by any sufficient justification within the framework of Nigerian law.  

Justice Nyako also declared parts of Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act to be unconstitutional and overreaching, further clarifying that no legislative chamber can suspend an elected member without due process or on vague disciplinary grounds.

The ruling has sparked renewed conversation around the abuse of internal disciplinary powers by legislative bodies in Nigeria, particularly when it involves dissenting voices or politically charged cases.

Senator Natasha’s legal team has praised the court's decision as a victory for democracy and rule of law, while civil society groups are calling for reforms to prevent similar legislative excesses.

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