In a bold and controversial move, the Nigerian Senate has flatly refused to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan—despite a Federal High Court judgment widely seen as paving the way for her return to the red chamber.
Tensions flared anew on July 15 as the National Assembly formally rejected the ruling issued by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4, describing it as “non-binding and advisory at best.” A letter signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, declared:
“There is no order made… for the Senate, President of the Senate, or National Assembly to comply with.”
The statement signals open defiance of the judiciary and has drawn a sharp battle line between the two arms of government, reigniting a high-stakes power struggle with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the center.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who has filed a fresh cross-appeal at the Court of Appeal, accused the trial court of “judicial overreach.” His lead counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, argued that the court veered into territory beyond Akpoti-Uduaghan’s original claims, violating the boundaries of legislative autonomy.
Analysts warn the confrontation could deepen the constitutional crisis, stirring fresh legal battles and potential public outrage. Civil society groups and angry constituents are already mobilizing, demanding immediate enforcement of the court’s verdict.
“The court has spoken,” said a Lagos-based rights advocate. “Now the Senate must choose—obedience to the rule of law or descent into legislative impunity.”
For now, the Senate remains defiant. But with rising public scrutiny and mounting democratic pressure, the question looms large:
Will Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan return to the Senate through the gavel of justice—or the will of the people?
The coming days may decide not just her fate, but the balance of power between Nigeria’s courts and its lawmakers.
