Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan has asked the Supreme Court of Nigeria to dismiss an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio over her suspension from the Senate, describing the move as lacking merit and constituting an abuse of court process.
The Kogi Central lawmaker, through a counter-affidavit filed at the apex court, opposed Akpabio’s Motion on Notice dated January 21, 2026. She argued that the appeal was improperly brought before the Supreme Court, especially as the Court of Appeal had already heard arguments in the substantive matter and reserved judgment.
According to the filing, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that all parties had fully presented their cases at the appellate court, making the attempt to invoke the Supreme Court’s intervention premature and procedurally flawed.
She further contended that the appeal process was marred by procedural irregularities, including the alleged failure of the appellant to comply with court rules relating to the filing and regularisation of briefs.
The legal dispute stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate following the recommendations of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. The senator had challenged the action at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.
Dissatisfied with the decision, the Senate leadership escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal, where proceedings were concluded and judgment reserved. The latest filing before the Supreme Court represents another phase in the protracted legal battle between the lawmaker and the Senate leadership.
The case continues to draw national attention, raising broader questions about legislative discipline, due process, and the limits of parliamentary authority.
