Akpabio Appeals Natasha’s Recall Order

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging the Federal High Court’s ruling that ordered the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate.

The appeal, marked CA/A//2025, stems from a July 4 judgment by Justice Binta Nyako, which described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension as excessive and without legal justification.

Akpabio’s legal team argues that the Federal High Court erred in assuming jurisdiction over the matter, citing Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution, which they believe shields the National Assembly’s internal affairs from judicial scrutiny.

They contend that issues related to suspension, words spoken during plenary, and Senate resolutions are protected under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

The Senate President’s grounds of appeal include allegations that the trial judge breached his right to fair hearing by raising issues not argued by either party and making recommendations for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall without hearing submissions from both sides. Akpabio also faults the court’s decision to merge interlocutory reliefs with substantive claims despite duplication and proceeding with the case despite Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged violation of a court order restraining public commentary.

Furthermore, Akpabio argues that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit should have been struck out for failing to comply with Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Act, which requires a three-month written notice to be served on the Clerk of the National Assembly before initiating legal action. He is seeking an order from the appellate court to allow the appeal, set aside the judgment, and dismiss Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit for lack of jurisdiction.

In his appeal, Akpabio is also challenging what he terms the trial court’s “advisory opinions” to the Senate, particularly regarding amending its rules or recalling a suspended member. He believes the court overstepped its constitutional boundaries by intervening in what he considers internal parliamentary affairs.