In what appears to be a bold display of institutional defiance, the Nigerian Senate has rejected mounting pressure to reinstate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite a recent Federal High Court judgment that her legal team claims supports her return.
The Upper Chamber, in a statement released on Saturday and signed by its spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said it had carefully reviewed the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4—and found no binding directive compelling Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate reinstatement.
“The judgment did not contain any express or mandatory directive recalling the suspended senator,” the Senate stated flatly. “What it did contain were merely advisory comments on the length of the suspension, which are not binding.”
The Senate’s reaction comes in response to a letter dated July 11 from Numa S.A.N. & Co., the legal representatives of Senator Natasha, which had urged the leadership of the National Assembly to comply with the alleged spirit of the judgment and reinstate her by July 15.
Citing Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the National Assembly powers to regulate its own procedures, the Senate maintained that its disciplinary authority remains intact—and not subject to judicial micromanagement.
“There is no legal basis upon which Senator Natasha can resume legislative duties at this time,” the Senate insisted, warning against what it called “premature legal interpretations” and “misapplication of constitutional provisions.”
Observers see the Senate’s position as a deliberate stonewalling strategy, highlighting a long-standing tension between the legislature’s autonomy and judicial oversight. While the court’s remarks may have cast doubt on the length or fairness of the suspension, the Senate remains firm in its assertion that no enforceable mandate was issued.
“We remain committed to constitutional democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law,” the statement concluded, “but we will not allow our processes to be dictated by speculative interpretations of court rulings.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked nationwide debate, with critics calling it politically motivated and legally untenable. Her legal team argues that her continued exclusion from Senate duties undermines the will of the electorate in Kogi Central, who voted her into office less than a year ago.
As the July 15 deadline set by her legal team approaches, all eyes remain on the Senate to see whether it will stand its ground or soften under legal and public pressure.
Senatorr Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
