The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the action as unconstitutional and unlawful.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the senator’s suspension, arguing that it violates her fundamental rights and deprives her constituents of representation.
In a statement shared on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group stated, “Being a senator does not strip Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The Senate should be upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights, not suppressing them.”
SERAP had previously urged Akpabio to lift the suspension or face legal action. With the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, the organization is now seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr. Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for allegedly “speaking without permission” and refusing to accept a reassigned seat in the Senate chamber. The sanction prevents her from participating in Senate proceedings and also withholds her salary and allowances.
However, SERAP argues that this action is unconstitutional, stating that “no one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission.’”
The rights organization is also asking the court for “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”
SERAP contends that the senator’s suspension breaches both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“Punishing Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary, and disproportionate,” the suit states. “Her suspension would also create a chilling effect, discouraging other lawmakers from freely expressing their views.”
The organization argues that the use of Sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to justify the suspension contradicts constitutional protections of free speech.
“The unlawful restriction of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and has seriously undermined the political participation rights of her constituents,” SERAP stated.
Citing Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, SERAP emphasized that “every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.”
The group further stressed that the suspension “has denied residents of Kogi Central Senatorial District the ability to effectively participate in governance through their elected representative.”
Additionally, SERAP cited Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, arguing that the Senate’s actions contravene these fundamental rights.
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) cannot override Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself and share her opinions, which is explicitly protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and various human rights treaties Nigeria has ratified,” the group stated.
SERAP also warned of the wider impact of silencing elected representatives through disciplinary measures, emphasizing that political speech requires a higher degree of tolerance.
“A greater level of acceptance is expected when it comes to political discourse, and an even higher threshold applies when it is directed at government officials, including members of the Senate,” the group asserted.
The suit was filed on behalf of SERAP by legal representatives Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs. Adelanke Aremo.
“No date has been fixed for the hearing,” the statement concluded.
