National Assembly Defies Court, Rejects Reinstatement of Suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

The National Assembly has brazenly dismissed a court judgement seeking the reinstatement of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that the ruling contained no binding order compelling her recall.

In a letter dated July 14, 2025, obtained by our correspondent and signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling for the Clerk to the National Assembly, the legislative body claimed that the July 4 judgement by Justice B.F.N. Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja merely advised—rather than mandated—the Senate to reconsider Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

The letter, addressed to the senator’s lead counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), stated: “From our summary of the judgement order, there is no order made on the 4th day of July, 2025 by Hon. Justice B.F.N. Nyako for the Senate, President of the Senate, or National Assembly to comply with. The declaratory judgement merely advised the defendants to exercise their power to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume representing the people who sent her to represent them.”

The National Assembly’s legal department further argued that the court’s position was only a recommendation, leaving the final decision to the Senate’s discretion. “You may wish to advise your client to await the action of the Senate to exercise their power of recall as advised by the court,” the letter concluded.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended in May over allegations of “unparliamentary conduct” and “gross misconduct.” Critics, however, view her suspension as politically motivated, citing her vocal allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President.

Her legal team had challenged the suspension in court (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), arguing that it was unconstitutional and deprived her constituents of representation. While Justice Nyako’s judgement did not explicitly order her reinstatement, it strongly condemned her continued exclusion as an act of disenfranchisement against Kogi Central voters.

The Senate’s refusal to lift the suspension has fueled speculation about internal power struggles and partisan tensions, particularly between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition lawmakers.

Civil society groups and pro-democracy advocates have condemned the National Assembly’s defiance, labelling it as “legislative impunity” that threatens Nigeria’s democracy. A source close to Akpoti-Uduaghan described the response as “disappointing but not unexpected,” confirming that her legal team is exploring further actions, including a potential appeal or contempt proceedings against the National Assembly.

The standoff is expected to escalate political tensions, with growing public outcry over the Senate’s disregard for judicial concerns and democratic principles.