SERAP sues Senate President Akpabio over Natasha Akpoti’s suspension
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as “patently unlawful.”
In a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking an order to overturn the suspension, arguing that it violates Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights and deprives her Kogi Central constituents of representation.
The rights group had earlier called on Akpabio to reverse the suspension or face a lawsuit. Following his failure to act, SERAP, through its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, confirmed the legal action in a Sunday press release.
The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, seeks “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr. Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”
Senate’s justification and SERAP’s opposition
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for allegedly “speaking without permission” and refusing to accept her reassigned seat in the Senate chamber. The suspension not only prevents her from participating in Senate activities but also withholds her salary and allowances.
SERAP, however, argues that the action is unconstitutional and violates both Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights treaties.
“No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission. The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights, not violating them,” SERAP stated.
SERAP is also asking the court to issue “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”
Legal basis for the lawsuit
SERAP contends that the application of Sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) conflicts with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
It highlights Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which states that “every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives.”
Furthermore, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen’s right to freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information without interference. SERAP argues that the Senate’s actions directly contravene these protections.
“The unlawful restriction of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and has seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation,” the suit states.
SERAP also raised concerns about the broader implications of silencing lawmakers through disciplinary actions, warning that it could have a chilling effect on free speech and democracy.
“A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech, and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials, including members of the Senate,” the group maintained.
The case was filed on behalf of SERAP by its legal team, led by Kolawole Oluwadare and Adelanke Aremo.
“No date has been fixed for the hearing,” SERAP’s statement concluded.
