Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decisions regarding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from legislative duties.
The dispute arose from a Senate plenary session in February 2025, where Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues on parliamentary privilege and procedural irregularities, leading to her suspension.
Akpabio argues that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the Constitution, which grants the National Assembly authority to regulate its procedure.
He claims the presiding officer isn’t required to immediately rule on every point of privilege raised during plenary.
The Court of Appeal had struck out Akpabio’s brief of argument, citing procedural defects, and awarded N100,000 in costs to Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio is now seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and validation of his notice of appeal and brief of argument.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains her suspension was unlawful, excessive, and violated her right to fair hearing.
The Supreme Court’s ruling could have significant implications for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and legislative autonomy.
