Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension
A group of ten concerned constituents from the Kogi Central Senatorial District has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legality of the Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension from the Nigerian Senate. The lawsuit, filed on April 4, 2025, seeks to enforce the applicants’ constitutional and human rights to political representation and participation in governance.
Applicants Challenge Senate Over Rights Violation
The applicants, namely Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Samuel, Umar Oyiza, Megida Sadiq, Siyaka Akinlade, Michael Ademola, and Ananyi Omeiza, claim that the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan violates Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens the right to participate freely in government through elected representatives.
The Senate President and the Senate itself are listed as the first and second respondents in the case.
According to the suit, the Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension, announced on March 6, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, is unconstitutional, unjustified, and deprives Kogi Central constituents of legitimate representation in the upper legislative chamber.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Sparks Legal Action
The applicants contend that by suspending their duly elected senator, the Senate has effectively disenfranchised not only them but also hundreds of thousands of constituents across five local government areas in Kogi Central. The lawsuit alleges that such action undermines democratic values and breaches Nigeria’s international commitments to uphold fundamental human rights.
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They argued that the suspension has stripped the district of its voice in national debates, legislative oversight, and constituency development.
Seven Reliefs Sought Over Senator Suspension
The constituents are seeking seven specific reliefs, including:
- A declaration that under the African Charter, they are entitled to participate in governance through freely chosen representatives.
- A confirmation that as voters in Kogi Central, they have the right to full representation in the Senate for the constitutionally prescribed four-year term (June 2023 to June 2027).
- A ruling that the Senate acted beyond its authority in suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
- An injunction restraining the Senate from taking further steps that infringe on their rights.
The applicants further want the court to issue an order setting aside the suspension and restoring all privileges and entitlements to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, including:
- Full access to the National Assembly Complex.
- Participation in all Senate proceedings and debates.
- Use of her assigned office and facilities.
- Immediate payment of all outstanding allowances and entitlements.
Falana Leads Legal Team Against Senate Decision
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, is leading the legal team representing the applicants. The legal challenge is anchored on Nigeria’s domestication of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 1999 Constitution.
Falana and his team argue that the Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension violates both domestic and international legal frameworks, as well as the principles of natural justice, given the lack of a fair hearing before the suspension was effected.
Constituents Demand Restoration of Representation
The applicants emphasized that the decision to suspend the senator not only violates their right to political participation but also robs the nation of an influential voice in critical national matters.
They said, “The 36 states and 776 local governments of the federation have been shortchanged by the respondents’ actions, given the acknowledged robust contributions of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to national development.”
The applicants warned that if the court does not intervene, the precedent could pave the way for political suppression and unjustified suspension of dissenting lawmakers in the future.
Court Hearing Awaited
As of now, a court date has not been scheduled for the hearing of the case, but observers say the outcome could have far-reaching implications for legislative accountability, political representation, and human rights enforcement in Nigeria.
The legal action is a significant move in defending democratic rights and curbing the misuse of legislative powers to suppress opposition voices.
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