Politics
Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio Heads To Supreme Court To Challenge Appeal Court’s Decisions On Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
The dispute arose from a Senate plenary session in February 2025, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues bordering on parliamentary privilege and alleged procedural irregularities.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Court of Appeal decisions linked to the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal from legislative duties.
Court documents obtained by SaharaReporters show that Akpabio, acting in his capacity as President of the Senate, has filed fresh processes at the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal over the suspension.
The suit, filed at the Supreme Court in Abuja, lists Akpabio as the appellant, while the respondents include Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.
The dispute arose from a Senate plenary session in February 2025, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues bordering on parliamentary privilege and alleged procedural irregularities.
The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, a process that culminated in her suspension from legislative activities.
Dissatisfied with the action, the Kogi Central senator approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging violations of her constitutional right to fair hearing and non-compliance with the Senate Standing Orders.
In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the trial court examined critical questions relating to parliamentary privilege, internal legislative procedure and the scope of judicial intervention in legislative affairs.
Following proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has now escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed and served.
In the application brought pursuant to the Supreme Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act and relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Akpabio argued that the appeal raises substantial constitutional and procedural issues deserving the attention of the apex court.
He contended that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the Constitution, which authorises the National Assembly to regulate its own procedure.
Akpabio’s legal team further argued that the presiding officer of the Senate is not mandatorily required to immediately rule on every point of privilege raised during plenary and that the Senate lawfully activated its internal disciplinary mechanisms in response to what it described as disorderly conduct.
The court document reads in part: “Your Lordships, the courts have consistently held that rules of court are handmaids of justice. Thus, procedural rules must yield to constitutional imperatives whenever strict compliance would result in injustice or denial of fair hearing. Please see the decision in Akiode & Ors v. Obi & Ors (2021) LPELR-56005(CA) @ 65-66 Paras CE, where the Court held that: ‘…. such rules must of necessity give way to those fundamental legal principles, for the simple reason that although both the rules and the principles are aimed at attaining the same objective, a rule of procedure must always take a backseat in the face of a fundamental legal principle, in this case the fundamental principle of fair hearing’.
“Accordingly, your Lordships are humbly urged to hold that the rule on joint briefs is designed for procedural efficiency, not to stifle substantive justice and fair hearing. What is more? The 1st Respondent, before the lower Court, created the illusion of complying with the 35-page limit as prescribed by the rules of this Honourable Court when, in fact, a smaller font and single line spacing were used in preparing her Brief contrary to Order 19 Rule 3(6)b of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2011.
“Based on the foregoing, the Appellant submits that a refusal of the instant appeal will not only amount to a breach of his right to a fair hearing, which is constitutionally guaranteed, but also amount to an imbalance in hearing opportunities.”
“The Appellant has established beyond any iota of doubt that the lower Court denied him a fair hearing; your Lordships are humbly urged to so hold and set aside the Ruling of the lower Court,” the document concluded.
In November 2025, the appellate court struck out the Senate President’s brief of argument because it was “incurably defective.” Specifically, it violated several procedural requirements, including exceeding the 35-page limit and using incorrect formatting.
The court declined Akpabio’s application to file an extended brief, proceeding to hear the case despite his objections.
The court awarded N100,000 in costs to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The dismissal effectively upheld the lower court’s finding that the Senate’s six-month suspension of the senator was “excessive” and unconstitutional.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently maintained that her suspension was unlawful, excessive and carried out in violation of her right to fair hearing.
She insisted that the Senate failed to comply with its own Standing Orders before referring her to the ethics committee and imposing disciplinary sanctions, thereby denying her a fair opportunity to defend herself.
SaharaReporters confirmed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel was formally served with the Supreme Court processes relating to the appeal, effectively joining issues and paving the way for a full legal contest at the apex court.
The case also involves a related contempt proceeding arising from a social media post made by the senator during the pendency of the suit.
The Federal High Court had ruled that the post violated a subsisting restraining order, imposing a fine and ordering a public apology.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had challenged the decision on appeal, arguing that the alleged contempt was criminal in nature and required strict compliance with statutory procedures.
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The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Labour Party has approved the timetable for the conduct of its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
At a statutory NEC meeting held on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, and duly observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Party, in compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines, approved the following schedule:
Submission of Membership Register to INEC – April 15, 2026, Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly Primaries – Friday, May 15, 2026, Presidential Primary Election – Saturday, May 23, 2026.
NEC also ratified the actions of the National Leadership of the Party regarding the conduct of Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31, 2026 respectively, as well as the National Convention slated for April 11, 2026.
The Council, which remains the highest decision-making organ of the Party after the National Convention, reviewed recent developments within the Party.
This included the recent alleged invasion of the Party Secretariat by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by certain rogue elements.
Following a thorough review of the report and recommendations of the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed, BoT Secretary, NEC invoked its disciplinary powers and approved the suspension of the following members for acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and complicity in the desecration of the Party’s National Secretariat:
Eneyi G. Zidougha, Hilda Doukubo, Lincolin Charles, Muhammed Sabitu Aliyu, Ogar Osim, Vincent Okwuokei, Casmir Agbo Uchenna, Simon Zubairu Bamga, Abduljamid Sa’ad Suleiman, Emmanuel Agida, Auwala Ahmed, Ularama Jubrila, Grace Zafara Posat, Suleiman Abdurahman Abdul, Ajibade Adekunle Samson, Alexander Emmanuel Ombugu, Elizabeth Ativie, Godwin Jioke, Airen Igbinedion, Osas Frank, Kennedy Ahanotu, Ayidele Olurunfemi, B. Arabanbi, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, Auwal Tafoki, and Obiora Ifoh.
NEC further ratified and approved the expansion of the Party’s membership register through a hybrid approach – Digital Membership Registration (e-registration) alongside manual registration in rural communities.
The party said this initiative is aimed at modernizing the Party’s database, strengthening participatory democracy, and enhancing transparency and efficiency in Party administration, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Additionally, NEC resolved that all existing vacancies within Party structures shall be filled through the appointment of interim leadership to ensure continuity in administration.
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Politics
Kano State Commissioner of Science and Technology resigns, cites deviation from founding political ideals
Kano State Commissioner of Science and Technology, Yusif Ibrahim Kofar Mata has announced his resignation from office, citing what he described as a departure from the political principles upon which the current administration was established.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The resignation was disclosed in a statement posted on his official Facebook account.
In the statement, the former commissioner said his decision was guided by conscience and loyalty to the original vision that informed the formation of the government.
“I stepped down from my position as commissioner in order to distance myself from a political direction that deviates from the ideals and struggle upon which this government was founded,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to God and to key political leaders for the opportunity to serve, specifically acknowledging the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“I thank Almighty Allah, our revered leader, Sen. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the good people of Kano, for the support and cooperation extended to me during my tenure,” the statement read.
The former commissioner noted that he served in the Ministry of Higher Education and later in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, where he contributed to several key initiatives aimed at advancing education and innovation in the state.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Kano through the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and other critical assignments entrusted to me,” he added.
He concluded the statement with a note of appreciation and resignation to faith, saying, “Alhamdulillah.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government has not issued an official response to the resignation.
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A federal commissioner representing Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states at the Federal Civil Service Commission, Henry Idahagbon, has described godfatherism as a Nigerian invention that must be consciously dismantled.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
Idahagbon said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday.
According to him, “I believe that the concept of godfatherism is a uniquely Nigerian invention. Maybe it’s one of Nigeria’s negative contributions to the development of democracy.”
He noted that all over the world, including the United States and most developed democracies, there are very influential political leaders whose views go a long way in determining election outcomes.
“But there is nothing that can be compared with the Nigerian concept of godfatherism. That is why I said it’s a unique Nigerian creation, a Nigerian invention.
“In Rivers and Edo, we have seen and are still seeing the negative impact of godfatherism. Those two states represent perhaps the worst species of godfatherism in Nigeria.
“At the peak of the Obaseki and Oshiomhole imbroglio, we saw Obaseki practically declaring Oshiomhole a persona non grata in a state that he governed for eight years.
“I remember we had to arrange for private security to escort Oshiomhole from the airport just to get to his house.
“On many occasions, his cars were stoned, but for the fact that they were bulletproof, he would have been injured. And I happened to be the only person who was in his house the day thugs came to attempt to burn down his house.
“And the same thing is playing out again in Rivers State. We have the Minister of the FCT, who keeps breathing down the neck of Governor Siminalayi Fubara because he brought him to power.
“So it’s something that the Nigerian political class has to consciously dismantle,” he said.
Idahagbon, who was a former attorney-general and commissioner for justice during Oshiomhole’s administration, emphasised the need for governors and presidents to disengage from power after leaving office.
“When governors and presidents leave office, they should leave for good. They should not be engaged in the process of determining their successors.
“In my opinion, political actors want to determine who succeeds them because of two factors. They want protection when they leave office.’
“So if governors do well, like I believe Gov. Alex Otti of Abia is doing in his state now, you don’t need to determine who succeeds you. Anybody can succeed you if your records are clean.
“So we should consciously, like Oshiomhole during his campaign and tenure said, say no to godfatherism and embrace one man, one vote; one governor, one vote.
“I think that mantra should become a national mantra — one man, one vote — and let us say no to godfatherism because it has negative implications for our polity,” the federal commissioner added.
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Art & Commercial students don’t fail JAMB because they’re dull. They fail because they’re taught like Science students. Science students calculate — JAMB rewards that. Art students explain — JAMB doesn’t. So you read hard, attend lessons, yet your score disappoints you. This online class fixes that. No theory overload. No confusion. Just real JAMB questions, clear breakdowns, and winning strategies. 📌 JAMB is not hard — you were just taught the wrong way.Click The Link To Reach Us Now 👉 https://wa.me/2349063958940
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