The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for failing to reverse the “unlawful” suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling the suspension a violation of her right to freedom of expression.
In the suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025), SERAP seeks a court order to compel Akpabio to lift the suspension and restore the senator’s legislative rights. The case was filed after Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the opposition, was suspended for six months following a reported violation of Senate rules, including speaking without permission and refusing her seat in the chamber. Her salary and allowances have also been withheld during this period.
SERAP argues that the suspension is a direct violation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation. The group contends that no one should face punitive action for peacefully expressing their opinions, especially within the Senate.
The lawsuit further highlights that the Senate’s action is inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations, including the right to freedom of expression under sections 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as articles 9 and 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
SERAP is also calling for a perpetual injunction to prevent further disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other senator solely for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental human rights.
The case, which is aimed at safeguarding democratic principles and the rule of law, awaits hearing in the Federal High Court.