Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a case with the Supreme Court regarding the legal issues stemming from the suspension of Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The action was verified in certain court records dated December 1, 2025, provided to our correspondent on Sunday.
The progression came after a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, that dismissed the Federal Government’s argument in the appeal concerning Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
The appellate court determined that the brief was inadequate, as it did not adhere to the required guidelines of the Court of Appeal Rules regarding formatting and procedures.
While Akpabio asserted that the brief was dismissed “illegally,” official court documents acquired by Chronicle NG indicated that the ruling was made solely according to the law.
The justices determined that the brief violated multiple regulations, such as utilizing an incorrect font size and line spacing, surpassing the 35-page maximum, and neglecting to secure court permission to deviate from the rules.
The court additionally determined that the Notice of Appeal was flawed.
The panel determined that the violations were significant and impacted the appeal’s validity, resulting in the brief being completely dismissed.
Unsatisfied with the verdict, Akpabio has now requested the Supreme Court to reverse the ruling.
His choice to individually pursue the case has, nonetheless, gained public interest, with certain legal and political analysts calling it atypical for a Senate President.
Insiders from the National Assembly claimed that Akpabio had been monitoring the case closely and demonstrating strong interest in its results, assertions that have sparked worries among certain parts of the legal community.
The situation has also been influenced by the ongoing political strain between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The rookie senator has risen to prominence due to her vocal criticism of Senate leadership, a position that sources assert has disturbed the Senate President.
“This matter has clearly moved beyond the courtroom. It has become a political contest for relevance and dominance,” a National Assembly source said.
Within the ruling party, there are also reports that powerful interests anticipate the Senate President to limit Akpoti-Uduaghan’s burgeoning profile.
In his Notice of Appeal to the Supreme Court, Akpabio claimed that the Court of Appeal breached his right to a fair hearing by refusing to grant leave to regularize the flawed brief or exceed the page limit.
He wanted the Supreme Court to set aside the proceedings from November 28, 2025, invalidate the verdict, and allow him to refile his brief in accordance with the procedures.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsels have confirmed receiving the court paperwork.
While expressing faith in the judiciary, they regarded the appeal as a desperate attempt to overturn a legal decision.
“Yes, we have been served. But this is just another needless misadventure that will lead to nowhere,” one of the Kogi senator’s lawyers told our correspondent in confidence.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March 2025 after protesting the relocation of her seat during plenary.
She accused Akpabio of targeting her and referred to him as a “dictator.”
Although her suspension ended in September, she was unable to resume immediately due to unresolved legal challenges and opposition from Senate leadership.
Her office was eventually reopened by Sergeant-at-Arms officials, and she returned, stating that she had “no apology to tender.”
With both parties now headed to the Supreme Court, the matter has once again sparked widespread public interest.
