SERAP Sues Senate President Akpabio Over “Unlawful” Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

 




The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, challenging what it describes as the “patently unlawful” suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, the case seeks to nullify Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, arguing that it infringes upon her fundamental rights and denies her constituents adequate representation in the National Assembly.

SERAP previously issued a formal call for Akpabio to reverse the suspension or face legal proceedings. Following Akpabio's failure to act, SERAP proceeded with the lawsuit. The development was confirmed in a press statement released on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

In its application, SERAP is requesting an order of mandamus compelling the Senate President to lift the suspension, reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for allegedly “speaking without permission” and refusing to accept her reassigned seat in the Senate chamber. The suspension also includes the withholding of her salary and allowances, effectively barring her from participating in Senate activities.

However, SERAP contends that the suspension is unconstitutional and amounts to a violation of her basic human rights. “No one should ever be penalized for speaking without permission,” the organization argued. “Holding the office of Senator does not strip Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental rights. The Senate ought to be setting the standard in upholding the rule of law, not undermining it.”

Furthermore, SERAP is seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the Senate from imposing similar disciplinary measures against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in the future, particularly for the peaceful exercise of her rights.

The organization’s legal argument highlights that the suspension violates both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties ratified by Nigeria. Specifically, SERAP asserts that Sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), which were applied to justify the suspension, conflict with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.

“The unjustified restriction of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has not only violated her personal rights but also infringed upon the rights of Nigerians to receive information and ideas, while disenfranchising the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District,” the statement emphasized.

Citing Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, SERAP reminded the court that “every citizen has the right to participate freely in the government of their country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives.”

Additionally, the suit references Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every individual the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and disseminate information without interference.

“The Senate’s reliance on its Standing Orders cannot override Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutionally protected rights,” SERAP argued. “A higher degree of tolerance is required when political speech is involved, particularly when such speech addresses the actions of government officials.”

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