Akpabio Heads to Appeal Court Over Natasha’s Recall: Power Play or Cover-Up?

In a move that has further intensified the political drama within Nigeria’s legislative circle, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has filed an appeal against the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the immediate recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the red chamber.

The Federal High Court had earlier declared Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as unconstitutional, affirming that the embattled senator represents the will of the people of her senatorial district—not personal interests that can be arbitrarily dismissed. The court’s judgment was hailed by many as a bold reaffirmation of democratic principles and the supremacy of the Constitution.

However, Akpabio’s decision to challenge this ruling at the Court of Appeal has raised serious eyebrows across the country, with political analysts suggesting that it may be less about constitutional interpretation and more about personal vendettas and political preservation.

Speculations have resurfaced linking the entire saga to unresolved allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Akpabio by Senator Natasha. While the matter was earlier brushed aside as baseless, Akpabio’s persistent resistance to her reinstatement is now being interpreted in some quarters as an attempt to suppress a potential scandal or punish a defiant female colleague.

Observers are now questioning the moral compass of the very leaders who demand loyalty and respect from the citizenry but appear unwilling to respect judicial decisions that uphold democratic representation.

Why challenge a court ruling that seeks to restore a legitimately elected senator back to her duties?

Why undermine the voice of an entire senatorial district?

These are the questions many Nigerians are asking as the unfolding events cast a shadow over the credibility of the National Assembly’s leadership.

As this legal and political drama deepens, one thing remains clear—Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s battle is no longer just personal; it has become symbolic of the larger struggle against silencing dissenting voices, particularly those of women, in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The nation watches. The judiciary has spoken. Will justice prevail, or will power once again bulldoze the will of the people?