Suspension Dispute: Natasha Urges Supreme Court to Dismiss Akpabio’s Appeal

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio over her suspension from the Senate. In a counter-affidavit filed at the apex court, Akpoti-Uduaghan described Akpabio’s application as lacking merit and constituting an abuse of court process. She argued that the Court of Appeal had already concluded hearing in the substantive matter and reserved judgment, adding that approaching the Supreme Court at this stage amounted to an attempt to interfere with the ongoing appellate process.

According to court documents, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that Akpabio was given full opportunity to present his case at the Court of Appeal and that his failure to regularise an over-length brief of argument led to its rejection in line with court rules. She further contended that the appeal raised issues of mixed law and fact without the required leave of court, rendering it incompetent. The dispute stems from her suspension following a February 2025 Senate plenary session, a decision later faulted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ruled the action excessive and unconstitutional. Despite completing the six-month suspension, the legal contest has continued, with both parties now awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on the application.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale