Senate Stalls on Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall, Citing Delay in Receiving Court Judgment
The Nigerian Senate has come under scrutiny for delaying action on the court-ordered reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing its failure to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court ruling as justification.
The Senate’s position follows a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on Friday, July 4, which declared the senator’s six-month suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, effectively upholding the principle that an elected official cannot be sidelined in a way that disenfranchises their constituents.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct during a heated plenary session in February. The suspension, backed unanimously by her colleagues and based on an ethics committee recommendation, was widely viewed as politically motivated.
However, the court ruled that such a long suspension of an elected lawmaker amounted to a breach of democratic representation, noting that “suspending a senator for half of a legislative year effectively silences the voice of an entire senatorial district.”
Court Reprimands Senator, But Orders Recall
While affirming her right to legislative participation, the court found Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan in civil contempt over a satirical post she published on Facebook while the matter was sub judice. As a result, she was fined ₦5 million and ordered to issue public apologies in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days.
The court stopped short of criminal penalties, clarifying that her infraction fell under civil contempt, not criminal defiance.
Senate Dodges Immediate Compliance
Reacting to the ruling, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu issued a cautious statement, saying the chamber would take no action until it receives the CTC of the judgment.
“We acknowledge the judgment but are yet to receive the Certified True Copy,” he stated. “Our legal team confirms that the full ruling was not read in open court. As such, we’ve applied for the CTC for proper review and legal guidance.”
Mr. Adaramodu hinted at potential legal contestation, saying the Senate needs to confirm whether the judgment explicitly nullifies the suspension before acting.
“Until we are officially served and guided by counsel, the Senate will refrain from any step that may prejudice its legal position,” he added.
Legal Caution or Tactical Delay?
Critics have questioned the Senate’s reluctance to act, describing the delay as a tactical move to undermine judicial authority and buy time in a politically charged situation. Legal analysts argue that the court’s decision was clear in spirit: a senator was wrongfully suspended, and the constituents were denied representation.
“This isn’t just about legal procedure, it’s about institutional respect for the judiciary,” one Abuja-based constitutional lawyer told Premium Times. “If the National Assembly delays compliance each time a court rules against it, then the rule of law becomes optional.”
Online Celebration, No Official Confirmation
Meanwhile, a viral video surfaced online showing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan celebrating with supporters and allegedly declaring her intent to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday. Her office has neither confirmed nor denied the video’s authenticity.
Despite the viral footage, Senate leadership insists that no formal reinstatement process has begun. Adaramodu emphasized that “since no enrolled order of the judgment has been officially served, no party can act on any perceived directive.”
Implications for Democratic Integrity
The ongoing drama underscores deep questions about legislative accountability and the fragile relationship between Nigeria’s political branches. While the judiciary may rule, enforcement appears hostage to executive discretion and institutional self-preservation.
Analysts say the Senate’s hesitation, though clothed in legal caution, risks being interpreted as contemptuous foot-dragging, particularly given the public attention surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and the broader debate about the rights of elected officials versus the powers of legislative bodies.
As the days tick by and the Certified True Copy remains “pending,” so too does the representation of Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, caught between judicial affirmation and political inertia.
Reference
Senate Stalls on Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall, Citing Delay in Receiving Court Judgment