Court of Appeal Validates Senate’s Authority Over Seat Allocation; Vacates ₦5m Fine Against National Assembly

Court of Appeal Validates Senate’s Authority Over Seat Allocation; Vacates ₦5m Fine Against National Assembly

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Court of Appeal has officially affirmed the Senate’s constitutional and administrative power to manage its internal affairs, ruling that the allocation of seats within the red chamber falls squarely within its legislative jurisdiction. 

In a decisive judgment, the appellate court set aside a previous ₦5 million contempt fine imposed on the National Assembly, delivering a victory for the legislative body in the legal dispute involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

The court dismissed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions that the Senate acted improperly when her seating assignment was altered. Addressing her claim of a lack of prior notification, the justices clarified that no such requirement exists under the current Senate Standing Rules [2]. The ruling emphasized that the Senate is not legally obligated to provide advance notice to lawmakers before exercising its power to reassign seating. 

By setting aside the lower court's fine, the Court of Appeal has reinforced the principle of legislative independence, confirming that the Senate acted within the scope of its established powers.