The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the decision as unlawful and a violation of her right to freedom of expression. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of all members of the Senate, seeks to overturn her six-month suspension and restore her legislative rights.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended after allegedly “speaking without permission” and “refusing her new seat in the Senate chamber.” The Senate also withheld her salary and allowances and barred her from identifying herself as a senator during the suspension period.
SERAP’s Legal Action Against the Senate
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking a court order to compel Akpabio to revoke the suspension and reinstate the senator. The organization is also requesting an order of perpetual injunction preventing the Senate from taking further disciplinary actions against her for exercising her fundamental rights.
SERAP argues that applying sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the 2023 Senate Standing Orders to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan is unconstitutional. The group insists that punishing a senator for expressing her views undermines democracy and deprives her constituents of political representation.
According to SERAP, the Senate should be setting an example in upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights, rather than suppressing them. The case is yet to be scheduled for a hearing.
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