Until it obtains the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court, Abuja’s decision from last Friday, the Senate has stated that it will not act immediately on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit contesting her expulsion from the red chamber, and the court’s decision was issued on July 4, 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the upper house of government accepted the court’s ruling but insisted that it has not yet received the full language of the ruling.
Our attorneys, who attended the hearings, attested that the full ruling was not read aloud in court, according to a portion of the statement.
So that a comprehensive study and well-informed decision regarding the proper legal reaction may be made, we have legally applied for the Certified True Copy.
The Senate emphasized that it will not take any action that would compromise its legal position until the entire ruling is examined, especially any possible order reversing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
According to the statement, “no party to the case can enforce any perceived order or relief since no party has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgment.”
In addition, Adaramodu’s speech reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to due process and its strict adherence to the constitution’s requirements.
The incident coincides with increased political and public attention to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as the representative for Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Her suspension in March 2025 provoked public discussion over elected representatives’ rights, legislative overreach, and the division of authority between the legislature and the courts.
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For what the Senate referred to as “unparliamentary conduct,” PDP member Akpoti-Uduaghan was controversially suspended in March of this year.
Civil society organizations and legal experts criticized the suspension, questioning the Senate’s power to prevent an elected representative from serving her constituency.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan sued the Federal High Court, arguing that she was entitled to participate in legislative activities under the constitution and that her suspension should be lifted.
Although the court apparently decided in her favor on July 4, it is unclear exactly what the ruling said and whether the suspension was specifically revoked.
Experts in law contend that the Senate cannot be held legally obligated until the judgment’s CTC is served.
Nonetheless, according to some observers, the appearance of delay may contribute to the idea that institutions are opposing judicial monitoring.
Reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, the Senate issued a statement urging the people to exercise patience.
Following a thorough explanation of the court’s rulings, the Senate would scrupulously adhere to the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution and maintain its commitment to maintaining the rule of law, the statement stated.
Whether Akpoti-Uduaghan returns to the Senate floor or whether the legal battle intensifies further depends on the publication of the CTC, therefore the next few days are anticipated to be crucial.
