The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as “patently unlawful.”
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the six-month suspension, which SERAP argues violates the senator’s fundamental rights and deprives her constituents of representation.
SERAP had earlier demanded that Akpabio reverse the suspension or face legal action. In a statement shared with Podium News Online, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, confirmed the lawsuit, emphasizing that the suspension undermines democratic principles.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, SERAP is seeking:
An order of mandamus directing Akpabio to lift the suspension, reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, and restore her legislative rights and privileges.
A perpetual injunction preventing the Senate from further suspending or disciplining her solely for exercising her fundamental rights.
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly speaking without permission and refusing to accept her reassigned seat in the chamber. As a result, she has been barred from Senate activities, and her salary and allowances have been withheld.
SERAP insists that punishing a senator for expressing her views contradicts Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on freedom of speech and political participation. The group cites:
Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which upholds the right of citizens to participate in government through elected representatives.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan undermines her constituency’s right to representation and violates democratic principles,” SERAP stated.
The organization further argues that the Senate’s application of its Standing Orders to suspend a lawmaker contradicts fundamental human rights and sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent within the legislature.
The case was filed by SERAP’s legal team, led by Kolawole Oluwadare and Adelanke Aremo. No date has been set for the hearing.
