Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has formally written to the Senate, demanding immediate compliance with a Federal High Court judgment that declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional.
In a letter dated July 11, 2025, and signed by her legal team, M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, Akpoti-Uduaghan referenced Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution, asserting that the suspension violated her right to represent her constituents and perform her legislative duties.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, had ruled that the Senate’s action was excessive and breached the constitutional rights of her constituents to representation. The court ordered her immediate reinstatement.
The letter, titled “RE: SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. The Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors.”, emphasized the need for urgent compliance with the judgment.
It read in part: “The six-month suspension imposed on the Plaintiff was excessive, overreaching, and inconsistent with her constitutional responsibilities under Section 63.”
Her counsel urged the Senate to take all necessary steps to facilitate her return to legislative duties without delay.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has also informed the Senate of her intention to resume legislative activities on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
This development, which comes after her removal as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs during plenary, may set a significant precedent regarding the limits of legislative disciplinary powers.
