SERAP sues Akpabio over suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over what it describes as the “unlawful” suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the six-month suspension, which SERAP argues violates Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights and deprives her constituents in Kogi Central of representation.

SERAP had previously called on Akpabio to rescind the suspension or face legal action. In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, confirmed that the group had proceeded with the lawsuit, seeking urgent judicial intervention.

The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, requests “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 by the Senate for allegedly “speaking without permission” and refusing to accept a reassigned seat in the chamber. The suspension bars her from participating in legislative activities and withholds her salary and allowances.

SERAP contends that the suspension is unconstitutional and a clear violation of free speech.

“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 Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law, not suppressing it,” the rights group stated.

SERAP is also seeking “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”

The organization argued that her suspension contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties, including Section 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

SERAP further cites Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which upholds citizens’ right to political participation.

“The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation,” SERAP asserted.

The rights group also highlighted concerns over the chilling effect of the suspension, warning that such actions discourage lawmakers from expressing dissenting views.

“A higher degree of tolerance is expected for political speech, particularly when directed towards government officials, including members of the Senate.”