March 16, (THEWILL) – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the National Assembly over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as an outright violation of her fundamental rights.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, was handed a six-month suspension for alleged misconduct and breach of Senate rules.
The punitive measure bars her from accessing the National Assembly premises, strips her of her salary and security details, and forbids her from identifying as a senator during the suspension period.
In the suit filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, with case number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, SERAP is asking the court to compel Akpabio to rescind the suspension, reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, and restore all her legislative rights and privileges.
The rights group is also seeking a perpetual injunction preventing the Senate from taking similar disciplinary actions against her in the future.
The lawsuit challenges the application of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), arguing that it infringes upon Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutional right to freedom of expression and denies her constituents their right to political participation.
SERAP contends that suspending a senator for exercising free speech sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic principles.
“No one should ever be punished for speaking without permission. Being a senator does not strip Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights,” the suit stated.
The rights group further argues that the suspension creates a chilling effect on other lawmakers, discouraging them from freely expressing their views.
“Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary, and disproportionate. The Senate should be upholding the rule of law, not suppressing it,”* SERAP asserted.
According to the organization, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension not only silences her voice in the Senate but also deprives the people of Kogi Central of their representation.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has effectively disenfranchised the residents of her senatorial district, limiting their ability to participate in governance,” the suit added
SERAP cites multiple constitutional and international human rights provisions, including Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to bolster its argument that the Senate’s action is illegal.
The organization maintains that any attempt to restrict a legislator’s right to freedom of expression must align with constitutional and international human rights standards.
As of press time, the Senate has not responded to the lawsuit, and a date for the hearing is yet to be fixed.
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