By John Umeh
A Legal Battle Reignited
In a bold and pointed statement, the legal team representing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Senate, demanding immediate compliance with a standing court order affirming her legitimacy as a duly elected lawmaker. The lawyers have described the Senate’s alleged failure to comply with the judgment as “a dangerous affront to the rule of law”, insisting that no institution, including the legislature, is above judicial authority.
This development follows ongoing tension between Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, and some key figures within the Senate leadership. Despite a court ruling in her favor from the Federal High Court, which nullified earlier objections to her swearing-in and confirmed her valid election, the Senate has reportedly continued to delay full recognition of her legislative rights, especially with regard to committee assignments and plenary participation.
At a press conference held in Abuja, Natasha’s lead counsel, Barrister Uchenna Ogbo, accused the Senate of willfully undermining the judiciary and engaging in actions that border on institutional contempt.
“The court has spoken clearly. The judgment is binding and enforceable. By continuing to act in defiance, the Senate risks eroding public confidence in democracy and setting a dangerous precedent of lawlessness within government institutions,” Ogbo stated.
The Legal Context and the Brewing Political Drama
The roots of this controversy trace back to the hotly contested 2023 senatorial election in Kogi Central, where Natasha, running under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared winner after a protracted legal and political struggle. Her main challenger from the All Progressives Congress (APC) filed multiple legal petitions attempting to disqualify her on grounds ranging from alleged irregularities to issues of party eligibility. However, the courts dismissed these arguments, affirming Natasha as the validly elected senator.
In October 2023, the Court of Appeal ruled conclusively in her favor, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued her certificate of return. She was later sworn in at the Senate chambers, but since then, Natasha has allegedly been marginalized within Senate operations.
Her legal team now claims that certain elements within the chamber are using political influence to suppress her contributions, denying her committee memberships and stalling legislative privileges entitled to all senators, regardless of party affiliation.
“The continued obstruction of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutional rights is not just unlawful—it is vindictive,” said another member of her legal team, Barr. Amina Onwe. “The law does not permit selective justice. It applies equally to all.”
Legal experts and human rights advocates have since weighed in, warning that such resistance from the Senate is indicative of a growing culture of impunity, where institutions manipulate power dynamics for political advantage rather than adhering to the spirit of the Constitution.
National Implications and the Way Forward
This case has not only legal consequences—it also has political and constitutional implications for Nigeria’s democracy. Many observers fear that if left unchecked, the Senate’s actions could embolden other arms of government to defy court orders, ultimately weakening judicial authority and endangering democratic governance.
Civil society groups such as the Centre for Democratic Integrity (CDI) and SERAP (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project) have condemned the Senate’s silence, calling for public accountability.
“The legislature, more than any other institution, must be bound by law and precedent. If lawmakers can violate a court order, then who holds the rest of the country accountable?” asked Dr. Tunde Bakare, a prominent constitutional lawyer.
In her own brief remarks, Senator Natasha expressed disappointment but reaffirmed her commitment to justice. She thanked Nigerians who have continued to support her and emphasized that her fight is not personal, but a battle for the sanctity of the rule of law and democratic fairness.
“This is not about Natasha—it is about ensuring that no Nigerian, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or political party, is ever denied justice simply because they don’t belong to the ‘right clique,’” she said.
As pressure mounts on the Senate to comply with the court ruling, political analysts suggest that the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the matter unfolds. Will the Senate finally honor the rule of law, or will this confrontation escalate into a constitutional crisis?
For now, all eyes remain on the Red Chamber, as Nigerians await an answer not just for Natasha—but for democracy itself.
