Suspended Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 13, 2025, to challenge her six-month suspension from the Senate, imposed on March 6, 2025, following allegations of breaching Senate rules. The legal battle, which also involves contempt claims by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has heightened tensions in Nigeria’s legislature, spotlighting issues of gender equality and political retribution.
The suspension stemmed from a February 20, 2025, Senate plenary session where Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, protested the reassignment of her seat, viewing it as unjust. The confrontation escalated, leading to her accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment during a 2023 visit to his Akwa Ibom residence, claims he denies. Her petition was dismissed by the Senate’s Ethics Committee for procedural errors, and she was suspended for “unruly behavior,” losing her salary, security detail, and access to the National Assembly. On April 4, Justice Binta Nyako issued a gag order barring media discussions of the case, which Akpabio alleges Akpoti-Uduaghan violated with a satirical Facebook post on April 27, prompting his contempt claim.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit seeks to nullify the suspension, arguing it violates her right to a fair hearing and constitutes punishment for her harassment allegations. Her counsel, J.S. Okutepa, contends that the Senate’s actions contravene Nigeria’s Constitution and aim to silence a vocal female senator, one of only four in the 109-member chamber. She also filed a counter-contempt claim, alleging the Senate defied a March 4 court order restraining an investigation into her conduct. The court hearing examined evidence, including Senate records and her post, with Akpabio’s team demanding its removal and a public apology.
The case has drawn scrutiny to the Senate’s male-dominated culture, with Akpoti-Uduaghan describing it as operating “like a cult” under Akpabio’s leadership. Her political journey, marked by a 2019 gubernatorial run and a 2023 Senate loss before her eventual election, reflects her resilience against systemic barriers. The court’s decision, expected by June, could set precedents for legislative discipline and gender dynamics in Nigerian politics, with potential implications for Akpabio’s leadership amid his own legal challenges.