Reinstate Senator Natasha Now: SERAP Tells Akpabio 

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern warning to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a Federal High Court ruling that declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional.

The court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled that the suspension was excessive and lacked constitutional backing, violating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents’ right to representation. SERAP insists that Akpabio and the Senate leadership must comply with the court order to restore Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.

SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the Senate’s actions contravened Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The organization had previously filed a lawsuit against Akpabio on March 16, 2025, seeking an order of mandamus to compel the Senate President to reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. SERAP warns that failure to comply with the court ruling will lead to further legal action.

Senate’s actions contravened Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio and claims of a conspiracy to “eliminate” her, which the Senate dismissed as disruptive behavior. The controversy has sparked concerns about gender dynamics, legislative discipline, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s political landscape.

As Akpoti-Uduaghan prepares to return to the Senate, all eyes are on Akpabio and the Senate leadership to see whether they will comply with the court’s directive or risk further legal and public backlash.