Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Barred from Senate Despite Court Order Lifting Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was blocked from reentering the National Assembly despite a court ruling lifting her suspension. She had been suspended over allegations against Senate President Akpabio. The Senate dismissed the ruling as non-binding, while Akpabio appealed the decision, citing parliamentary independence.

Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to return to court to challenge the Senate leadership after she was denied entry into the National Assembly building on Tuesday, despite a court ruling in her favour. The senator, representing Kogi Central, had previously been suspended for six months by the Senate in March following accusations she made against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio had promised to support her politically in exchange for sexual favours, an allegation that stirred controversy and led to disciplinary action against her.

Her suspension drew criticism from various quarters, and on July 5, a federal high court overturned the Senate’s decision, declaring the suspension “excessive” and emphasizing that her constituents deserve representation. The court ordered her reinstatement, affirming that no law permits the Senate to deny a democratically elected senator access to represent her people over such allegations. However, when Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to resume her duties at the National Assembly, she was stopped by armed security personnel stationed at the entrance, effectively blocking her from entering the chamber.

Speaking to the press afterward, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the Senate’s action, accusing the leadership of violating the court’s decision and acting in contempt. She described the move as a threat to the country’s democratic institutions, expressing concern about what she called a disregard for the rule of law. Highlighting the nature of the allegations against her, she stated, “I am not accused of corruption, embezzlement, drug trafficking or murder. The only thing I am guilty of is denouncing the injustices of which I am a victim.”

The Senator’s case has also underscored the broader issue of female representation in Nigerian politics, as she is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate. Her treatment has drawn attention to the challenges women in leadership positions continue to face, including institutional pushback and reputational attacks when they challenge authority.

In response to the federal high court’s judgment, the Senate dismissed it as a “non-binding opinion,” asserting that the court had no jurisdiction over internal parliamentary affairs. The Senate further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of being in contempt herself, citing her alleged violation of a ban on discussing the matter publicly. They also noted that she had failed to pay a fine that was part of the disciplinary measures taken against her.

Senate President Akpabio has since escalated the matter by appealing the high court’s ruling. He argues that the judiciary should not interfere in parliamentary business, maintaining that the Senate’s disciplinary powers are protected under the principle of separation of powers. The unfolding legal and political battle highlights a growing tension between Nigeria’s legislative and judicial arms of government, raising serious questions about accountability, representation, and the limits of institutional authority.