Over 1,000 Women-Led Groups Urge Senate to Appeal Court Order Reinstating Natasha Akpoti, Warn of Dangerous Precedent

Over 1,000 women-focused civil society organisations have called on the Nigerian Senate to immediately challenge the Federal High Court’s ruling reinstating suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court verdict, delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on Friday, June 28, 2025, described the six-month suspension as excessive and legally baseless—a ruling the groups now describe as “a direct threat to legislative integrity.”

The Coalition of Concerned Women for Legislative Integrity (CCWLI), led by Barr. Nana Amina Abdullahi, released a scathing statement in Abuja on Monday, July 7, warning that if the Senate fails to file an appeal, it risks opening “a floodgate of indiscipline, misinformation, and parliamentary chaos.” Abdullahi emphasized that discipline within the chamber must not be sacrificed on the altar of populism or media theatrics.

Justice Nyako ruled that the Senate’s suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan effectively silenced the people of Kogi Central and was outside the bounds of legal authority. However, the coalition insisted that lawmakers are not above rules, and that the Senate acted within its constitutional rights to suspend a member whose actions undermined legislative procedures.

The group accused the embattled senator of consistently disrespecting the Senate’s internal processes, framing her defiance as activism. “We are women. We are mothers. But we are not blind to recklessness being paraded as courage,” Abdullahi said. “Natasha’s interventions often turn into chaos rather than contributing to national policy.”

The coalition also slammed what it described as the “weaponisation of feminism” by some activists and international organisations backing Akpoti-Uduaghan. Abdullahi argued that gender should not be used as a shield for misconduct. “If a male senator had done this, nobody would be crying injustice. Feminism should not excuse indiscipline,” she added.

Responding to the N5 million fine imposed on the senator for contempt of court, the coalition described it as a symbolic but necessary reminder of the importance of responsible leadership. “That fine should serve as a pause button. Governance is not drama; it’s duty,” their statement read.

The CCWLI concluded by urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Committee on Ethics to file a swift appeal to the Court of Appeal, and if necessary, take the matter to the Supreme Court. “This isn’t just about Natasha—it’s about preserving the dignity of the Senate. To retreat now is to surrender the soul of legislative discipline,” Abdullahi declared.