The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, challenging the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The group argues that her suspension was unlawful and violated her right to free speech.
According to SERAP, the senator faced a six-month suspension simply for expressing her views, allegedly speaking without permission, and refusing a reassigned seat in the Senate chamber.
Her suspension also includes the withholding of her salary and allowances, alongside a restriction preventing her from identifying as a senator during the period.
Filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking a judicial order to overturn the suspension, reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, and restore her legislative privileges.
The group also wants a perpetual injunction to stop the Senate from imposing similar disciplinary actions on lawmakers for exercising their rights.
SERAP contends that the Senate’s application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) contradicts Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutional and human rights, depriving her constituents of representation.
The lawsuit also argues that political speech deserves greater protection and that no senator should face punishment for expressing their opinions.
The case, filed by SERAP’s legal team, references constitutional and international legal provisions, including Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The court has yet to set a date for the hearing.
%20has%20taken%20legal%20action%20against%20Senate%20President%20Godswill%20Akpabio){kind=link}