Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Court of Appeal in Abuja to stop the Federal High Court from proceeding with the case filed by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan challenging her suspension from the Senate.
Akpabio’s Appeal to Halt Federal High Court Proceedings
On March 20, 2025, Akpabio, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kehinde Ogunwumiju, requested the Court of Appeal to grant him permission to challenge the March 10 ruling of the Federal High Court. This ruling allowed all pending applications in the suit to be heard together.
His application also demands a stay of proceedings at the Federal High Court, preventing further action until the appellate court resolves his appeal. Akpabio’s legal team argues that the lower court’s approach contradicts established legal principles and could render the appeal ineffective.
Background: The Controversial Suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan
The case began after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, following a heated exchange with Akpabio over her seat allocation during a February 20 plenary session.
She immediately filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an interim injunction to halt Senate disciplinary actions. On March 4, 2025, the court granted this injunction, ruling that any decision made against her while the case was ongoing would be null and void.
However, despite this court order, the Senate went ahead with her six-month suspension. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt charge on March 7, 2025, accusing the Senate of disobeying a valid court order.
Akpabio’s Legal Strategy to Delay the Case
Akpabio’s lawyers are now using legal technicalities to slow down proceedings. On March 17, 2025, the Senate, through its counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), challenged the March 4 order, calling it vague and arguing that enforcing it would interfere with the Senate’s constitutional duties.
On March 19, 2025, the Federal High Court partially reversed its March 4 ruling, siding with the Senate’s argument that the order was unclear. The court also rescheduled the hearing of all pending applications to March 25, 2025.
However, in a strategic move, Akpabio’s legal team filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal on March 20, 2025, asking for a stay of proceedings at the Federal High Court. Within 24 hours, the Court of Appeal scheduled a hearing for March 25, 2025, the same date set by the lower court. This move could force the Federal High Court to postpone its hearing, delaying a final ruling on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Legal Arguments and Counterarguments
- Akpabio’s Position:
- The Federal High Court should not have ordered all pending applications to be heard together.
- The High Court’s ruling is an improper exercise of judicial discretion that violates his right to a fair hearing.
- Continuing the case at the High Court could render the appeal meaningless.
- Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Position:
- The Senate blatantly disobeyed the March 4 court order by suspending her.
- The Federal High Court’s decision to hear all applications together was legally sound.
- The Senate is deliberately stalling the case to prolong her suspension.
The Court of Appeal’s decision on March 25 will determine whether the Federal High Court can proceed with the case. If the appeal is granted, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal challenge could face significant delays, prolonging her suspension.
This case remains a major legal battle that could set a precedent for legislative and judicial relations in Nigeria.
