Legal representatives of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have called on the National Assembly to respect a Federal High Court decision ordering her reinstatement to the Senate. The legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Michael Jonathan Numa, issued the advisory in a letter dated July 14, 2025, directed to the Director of Litigation and Counselling in the Legal Services Directorate of the National Assembly, Mr. Charles Yoila.
The counsel clarified the scope of the ruling in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, in which the court made twelve binding directives. Among them, Order 12 specifically instructs the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Despite the use of the word “should,” the lawyers stressed that the order must be seen as binding when interpreted in the context of the full judgment.
They explained that the court had ruled on both the core issues of the case and a request for a mandatory injunction, invalidating the Senate Committee’s findings that led to the Senator’s suspension. The court’s decision, according to the lawyers, found the Senate’s actions to be inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate’s own Standing Orders.
To reinforce their argument, the legal team cited Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates all authorities to implement court decisions. They also pointed to Section 318, which defines a court’s decision as including any judgment, order, or recommendation. They referenced the 2025 Supreme Court decision in Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd, which held that judicial recommendations may carry legal weight.
The legal team urged the National Assembly’s legal advisers to reassess the court’s verdict and ensure the Senate takes proper steps in accordance with the law. They stressed that honoring the judgment is not optional but a constitutional duty.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has announced her plan to return to the Senate on July 22, 2025. She sees the date as significant, especially in the wake of recent national events, including the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Her lawyers added that if the ruling is not implemented, she may consider further legal action to ensure compliance.
