BREAKING: Akpabio Heads to Appeal Court to Challenge Order Recalling Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The political tension within Nigeria’s Senate has taken a dramatic turn as Senate President Godswill Akpabio officially approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge the ruling of the Federal High Court, which ordered the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her controversial suspension.

Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, had earlier been suspended for six months over what was described by Senate leadership as “gross misconduct” and “unparliamentary behavior.” However, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled earlier this month that her suspension was unlawful, excessive, and a violation of her constitutional right to representation. The court further directed the Senate to reverse the suspension and facilitate her immediate return to the red chambers.

But in a bold move that many see as a direct challenge to the judiciary, Akpabio has filed 11 grounds of appeal, arguing that the court overreached its authority by meddling in what he described as internal legislative disciplinary matters. He insists the court has no jurisdiction to interfere in Senate proceedings or to impose terms like “recall,” which, according to his legal team, was not even sought by Senator Natasha in her original suit.

In the filed documents, Akpabio claims the ruling violated legislative privilege, adding that the judiciary cannot usurp powers vested in the Senate under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. He further alleges that the lawsuit was premature, as Natasha did not exhaust all internal avenues before taking the matter to court, especially the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee.

Observers say this case is not just about one senator—it has now become a litmus test for Nigeria’s separation of powers, judicial independence, and the autonomy of the legislature. With Senator Natasha gaining strong support from civil society groups, women’s rights advocates, and her constituents in Kogi Central, this legal battle could ignite a broader conversation about accountability in Nigeria’s legislative processes.

While the case is now in the hands of the Court of Appeal, the question remains: Can the judiciary rein in the legislative arm when rights are allegedly trampled upon within the Senate chamber? Or will the courts uphold the argument that such matters are out of bounds for judicial interpretation?

For now, Natasha remains in limbo, and the Senate continues without her input as the legal firestorm intensifies. One thing is clear—this is no longer just a courtroom battle. It’s a national reckoning on the balance of power.

Stay with Busterblog.com for exclusive court updates, expert legal analysis, and insider reactions from within the red chambers as Nigeria’s democratic institutions are once again tested.