Akpabio and Natasha Resume Legal Battle as Senate President Heads to Supreme Court
The political truce between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appears to have collapsed, with the legal battle over her suspension now heading to the Supreme Court.
In a surprising twist, court documents filed on Thursday reveal that Senator Akpabio has approached the apex court to challenge the appellate court rulings that faulted his suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker.
A Short-Lived Peace
This escalation comes as a shock to many political observers. Just weeks ago, in early January 2026, Akpabio publicly announced the withdrawal of all defamation suits against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during a New Year mass, citing a desire for forgiveness and reconciliation.
However, this new filing indicates that while the defamation suits may be gone, the constitutional battle over the Senate's power to suspend its members is far from over. Akpabio is seeking the Supreme Court’s permission to regularise his appeal, arguing that the Senate acted within its constitutional rights to discipline its members.
The Core of the Dispute
The case dates back to February 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for alleged misconduct after raising procedural issues during a plenary session. She successfully challenged this suspension at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, both of which declared the action unconstitutional and a violation of her right to a fair hearing.
Akpabio’s legal team is now asking the Supreme Court to set aside these judgments. They argue that the lower courts erred by interfering in the internal affairs of the legislature.
Political Implications
This renewed legal hostility adds another layer of tension to the National Assembly. It coincides with other major political maneuvers, such as the APC stakeholders urging Tinubu to retain the zoning formula, signaling a heated political season ahead.
Furthermore, with the opposition already critiquing the ruling party evidenced by Datti Baba-Ahmed's recent comments on the 2027 elections this high-profile legal tussle could further polarize the Senate.
What Next?
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court processes. They have expressed confidence that the apex court will uphold the decisions of the lower courts, maintaining that the suspension was an abuse of power.
Stay tuned to Naijarave.com for live updates as the Supreme Court fixes a date for the hearing.
