The political landscape in Nigeria witnessed a significant escalation on Saturday, December 21, 2025, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally took his legal battle concerning the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Supreme Court.
Appeal Court Delivers Blow Over Procedural Defects
This decisive move comes as a direct response to a ruling by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which struck out the Federal Government's brief of argument in the ongoing appeal. The appellate court panel declared the filing "incurably defective and incompetent" for failing to comply with mandatory provisions of the Court of Appeal Rules.
Certified records from the proceedings reveal that the justices identified multiple procedural violations by Akpabio's legal team. These infractions included the use of an incorrect font size and improper line spacing, exceeding the mandatory 35-page limit for briefs, and a failure to seek the court's leave before deviating from the prescribed rules. The court emphasized that these were not mere technicalities but substantive breaches that rendered the processes incompetent.
A Political Rivalry Intensifies in the Legal Arena
The legal tussle is deeply intertwined with a well-documented political rivalry between the Senate President and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The first-term senator from Kogi Central has gained prominence for her outspoken critiques of the Senate's leadership, which insiders suggest Akpabio views as a direct challenge to his authority.
Observers note that the intensity of Akpabio's personal involvement in the case is unusual for a holder of his office. Sources within the National Assembly and legal circles have expressed concern over allegations, yet unproven, of undue pressure on judicial officers, raising questions about the separation of powers.
Grounds of Appeal and Expert Skepticism
In his notice of appeal to the Supreme Court, Akpabio's legal team argues that the Court of Appeal breached his constitutional right to a fair hearing. They contend the court should have granted leave to regularize the defective brief rather than striking it out entirely.
However, constitutional law experts have pushed back against this argument. They stress that the right to a fair hearing does not excuse litigants from obeying court rules, especially when the opposing party, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's team, complied fully with the same requirements. Analyst Adigun Muse described the appeal to Legit.ng as appearing "more like an attempt to save political face than a genuine search for justice."
Wider Implications for Governance and Judiciary
The case has sparked significant debate beyond the courtroom. Civil society organizations have warned that any attempt by a sitting Senate President to influence judicial outcomes poses a grave threat to judicial independence and democratic governance in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained a posture of calm, expressing confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law. Her legal team has characterized Akpabio's Supreme Court appeal as a desperate effort to overturn a lawfully reached decision.
The Supreme Court's decision on whether to hear the appeal and its eventual ruling will be closely watched, as it carries implications not only for the two political figures but also for procedural adherence in Nigeria's highest legal institutions and the delicate balance of power within the National Assembly.
