The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, challenging what it calls the “unlawful” suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the suit seeks to overturn the six-month suspension, arguing that it infringes on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights and deprives her constituents of representation.
Last week, SERAP had urged Akpabio to reverse the suspension or face legal consequences. In a statement released Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization confirmed it had followed through with its warning.
The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, calls for a judicial order compelling Akpabio to lift the suspension, reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, and restore all her legislative rights and entitlements.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was sanctioned for allegedly speaking without permission and resisting a new seating arrangement in the Senate. The penalty not only bars her from legislative activities but also strips her of her salary and allowances.
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SERAP argues that punishing a lawmaker for exercising free speech is unconstitutional. “No senator should be penalized for simply expressing an opinion,” the rights group stated. “The Senate should champion democracy and the rule of law, not suppress them.”
The lawsuit further seeks an injunction to prevent the Senate from taking similar disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan in the future, solely based on her exercise of free speech.
SERAP asserts that the suspension violates the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights agreements, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens the right to political participation through freely chosen representatives.
“The decision to sideline Akpoti-Uduaghan directly undermines the political representation of her constituents in Kogi Central and sets a dangerous precedent,” SERAP contended.
The group also highlights that Nigeria’s Constitution, under Section 39, protects freedom of expression, a right that should not be overridden by Senate rules.
“The Senate Standing Orders cannot supersede a senator’s constitutional right to free speech,” the organization insisted.
The case raises broader concerns about political speech and the consequences of silencing lawmakers. “Legislators should have a higher level of speech protection, particularly when addressing governance issues,” SERAP noted.
The suit was filed by SERAP’s legal team, including Kolawole Oluwadare and Adelanke Aremo. A hearing date is yet to be scheduled.
