…Says She Must First Fulfil Contempt Sanctions
The Nigerian Senate has insisted that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will not be reinstated until she complies fully with the Federal High Court’s ruling, which, while criticising the upper chamber’s suspension of the lawmaker, also found her guilty of contempt.
The Kogi Central senator, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended in March 2025 following a tense row with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The clash stemmed from a dispute over sitting arrangements and later escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—allegations he has consistently denied.
In a landmark judgement delivered on Friday in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on the lawmaker was excessive and unconstitutional, stating that no legislative chamber has the right to deny citizens representation for such an extended period.
While the court upheld the Senate’s right to discipline its members, Justice Nyako pointed out that such power must not infringe on the democratic rights of constituents.
However, in a twist, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt over a Facebook post on 27 April, which mocked the Senate and the judiciary. Describing the post as “an affront to the sanctity of the court,” Justice Nyako ordered the senator to pay ₦5 million in damages and issue a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
Speaking on the judgment, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the Senate would not rush to reinstate the embattled lawmaker.
“She must first comply with the court’s orders in full,” Adaramodu stated. “There is no ambiguity. She owes an apology not just to the court but to the institution of the Senate.”
He further explained that the Red Chamber would review the content of her public apology before making a decision on her possible return.
“We are not in a hurry. Restitution must come before reinstatement,” he added.
Also reacting, Senate counsel Paul Dauda, SAN, described the court’s ruling as a partial vindication of the Senate’s stance.
“Yes, the judge expressed concern over the duration of the suspension, but she did not order reinstatement. That remark is not binding—it’s what we call an obiter dictum,” Dauda explained.
He stressed that the court reaffirmed the Senate’s disciplinary authority and sanctioned the senator for contempt, thereby reinforcing the institution’s position.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked widespread public discourse, particularly after she appeared on national television to allege that her suspension was linked to her rejection of sexual advances by the Senate President. The Senate described her remarks as “gross misconduct,” further fuelling tension within the legislative chamber.
With the court ruling now in effect, the next few days could prove decisive, as all eyes turn to the senator’s response—and whether her forthcoming apology will meet the Senate’s expectations.
Until then, the Kogi Central constituency remains without representation in the upper chamber, despite a court declaration that such a situation is unacceptable in a democratic society.
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