Legislative Authority Upheld: Appeal Court Affirms Senate’s Power to Suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

In a landmark ruling for parliamentary autonomy, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has officially upheld the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) over allegations of misconduct. On Monday, February 9, 2026, a three-man panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed dismissed the lawmaker’s challenge, declaring that internal discipline is a constitutionally protected right of the legislative arm.

Nigeria Senate Plenary session 2023 photo credit Tope Brown

The Legal Verdict: Order Over Immunity

The appellate court’s decision settles a high-profile dispute regarding where a lawmaker’s constitutional rights end and parliamentary discipline begins.

Key takeaways from the judgment include:

• Standing Rules Power: Under Section 66(4) of the Senate’s Standing Rules, the upper chamber is legally empowered to invoke disciplinary actions to maintain order.

• No Rights Breach: The court ruled that “parliamentary privilege” does not exempt a member from internal rules; therefore, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights were not violated.

• Judicial Non-Interference: The court affirmed it will not intervene in legislative discipline unless there is a “demonstrable constitutional violation.”

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District

Separation of Powers Reinforce

Reacting to the victory, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described the ruling as a win for the separation of powers. He noted that the judgment confirms that members must submit to the very rules they help govern.

The ruling serves as a stern reminder to all lawmakers: the floor of the Senate is not a vacuum of accountability, and internal rules carry the full weight of the law.

Written by Boom RadioNG