On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a report by The Punch indicated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected an appeal submitted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The appeal aims to reverse a court decision that mandated her return to the Senate.
Lawyers representing Akpabio have filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal in Abuja to contest the verdict delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4. The judge overturned Natasha’s six-month suspension, calling it “excessive” and lacking legal justification.
The appeal, submitted on July 14 under case number CA/A//2025, arises from Natasha’s lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) that challenged her suspension.
Akpabio is requesting that the appellate court overturn the judgement. He presented an 11-point appeal, contending that the lower court did not have jurisdiction.
He stated that the issue pertains to internal affairs of the National Assembly, which courts should refrain from interfering with according to Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.
He also expressed discontent with the court for dismissing his preliminary objection and issuing orders that, in his view, disrupt parliamentary processes.
He stated that decisions made during plenary sessions, including suspensions, are legally protected and cannot be contested in court.
Akpabio contended that Natasha’s lawsuit was untimely. He stated that she failed to utilise the internal remedies provided by the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as mandated by Senate rules.
He further alleged that the court had deprived him of a fair hearing. He asserted that the judge independently brought up the matter of “excessiveness” and mandated Natasha’s recall without permitting either party to respond to it.
Natasha has yet to provide an official response. Her calls and messages went unanswered.
During a documentary screening event in Abuja, she chose not to comment on her potential return to the Senate. When questioned about Akpabio’s appeal, she retorted, “Did you also ask him to explain why he appealed it?” before exiting the venue.
The disagreement commenced on February 20, 2025, regarding the seating arrangements in the Senate. Natasha subsequently alleged that Akpabio engaged in sexual harassment and made inappropriate demands.
The Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her complaint and imposed a six-month suspension for “unruly behaviour.” Throughout the suspension, she was deprived of her office, salary, and security.
On July 4, Justice Nyako determined that the suspension was excessive and mandated her reinstatement.
Nonetheless, the court imposed a fine of ₦5 million for contempt due to a social media post, while affirming her assertion that her constituents were deprived of representation during her suspension.
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