Senate President Godswill Akpabio has launched a legal battle to prevent the Federal High Court in Abuja from hearing a suit filed against him and the Senate by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The legal showdown, which has further deepened the crisis rocking the Senate, took a dramatic turn on Monday when Akpabio’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of the legislature.
At the heart of the argument, Akpabio’s lawyers claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to properly serve court documents, making it impossible for the Senate President to respond adequately to the suit. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), vehemently dismissed the claim, pointing to affidavits on record that confirmed all defendants had been duly served. After reviewing the submissions, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that service had indeed been effected, a decision that dealt a blow to Akpabio’s legal maneuvering.
With the issue of service settled, Akpabio’s team swiftly sought an adjournment, arguing they needed more time to harmonize court processes. The court agreed, postponing the case to March 25 while directing all parties to file and exchange necessary documents before the next hearing.
This legal battle stems from the Senate’s highly controversial decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months—a move that critics describe as a blatant act of political suppression. Despite a court order issued on March 4, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against her, the committee brazenly defied the directive and proceeded with its deliberations, ultimately handing down the six-month suspension.
The backlash was swift, with public outcry and allegations that Akpoti-Uduaghan was being punished for exposing corruption and misconduct within the Senate. In response, the Senate attempted to justify its decision, releasing an official statement through Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The statement refuted claims that the suspension was linked to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s explosive allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio.
The Senate claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for Senate Standing Orders (2023, as amended), and gross indiscipline. Among the allegations leveled against her were:
Defying Senate protocol: On February 25, 2025, she allegedly refused to sit in her designated seat during plenary despite repeated requests from the Minority Leader and senior senators.
Speaking without recognition: The Senate accused her of making unauthorized contributions to debates, violating parliamentary procedures.
Disruptive conduct: The statement further alleged that her behavior obstructed Senate proceedings and involved making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the Senate leadership.
Ignoring summons: The Senate claimed she repeatedly failed to appear before the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which was investigating her conduct.
While the Senate maintains that her suspension was a disciplinary measure, many political analysts believe it is a calculated attempt to silence a vocal critic and reinforce Akpabio’s grip on power. As the legal showdown continues, all eyes are now on the March 25 court hearing, where the judiciary will once again be called upon to determine whether the Senate’s actions were legally justified—or a dangerous abuse of power.
The battle for justice has just begun.
PIONEER NEWS 