The Nigerian Senate’s decision to extend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has triggered strong criticism from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and top legal experts.
The Kogi Central senator remains barred from resuming her duties when the Senate reconvenes on September 23, 2025.
Why Is Senator Natasha Suspended?
On March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. The reason? She allegedly refused to vacate an assigned seat during a plenary session, which the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions called insubordination. The suspension stripped her of her salary, aides, and office privileges.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims the suspension is politically motivated. She links it to a petition she filed accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, which the Senate dismissed.
She challenged the suspension in court and announced a favorable ruling in April, but the Senate insisted she serve the full six months.
In July, she tried to re-enter the Senate chamber but was blocked by security, despite protests from her supporters outside the National Assembly.
The Senate’s Latest Move
On September 4, 2025, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, sent a letter to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. It stated that her suspension remains in place until the Court of Appeal rules on her case.
The letter read, “The matter is under judicial review, so no steps can be taken to allow your return until the court decides.” This dashed her hopes of resuming after completing her six-month suspension.
PDP’s Reaction
The PDP strongly condemned the Senate’s decision. In a statement, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba called it a deliberate attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Senate to silence opposition and deny Kogi Central its representation.
He described the move as a “clear violation of the Constitution” and a “threat to democracy.”
The PDP also criticized Senate President Akpabio, alleging a pattern of targeting female colleagues. The party demanded the letter’s immediate withdrawal and called on human rights groups and the international community to intervene.
Legal Experts Speak Out
Several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) argue that the Senate’s decision is unconstitutional and unfair. Here’s what they said:
- Adedayo Adedeji (SAN): The senator should resume her duties now that her suspension has ended. Blocking her return violates the Constitution and denies Kogi Central representation.
- Wale Balogun (SAN): The suspension ended after six months, so she should return to the Senate. The ongoing court case about the suspension’s legality is a separate issue.
- Paul Obi (SAN): Extending the suspension through the courts is “overreaching” and unjust. The senator has served her punishment and should resume her work.
- Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN): The Senate’s refusal to let her return is “vindictive and petty.” It effectively extends the suspension without a valid reason, depriving millions of constituents of representation.
However, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) took a different view. He suggested that both the Senate and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should wait for the court’s final ruling, as appeals are ongoing.
SERAP’s Demand for Justice
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also criticized the Senate. It urged Senate President Akpabio to allow Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume immediately, arguing that using the court case as an excuse violates the rule of law. SERAP stated that no Nigerian law prevents her return after serving her suspension. They also demanded her salaries and allowances be restored.
SERAP emphasized that the Senate’s actions breach Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. They argued that punishing the senator for exercising her right to free expression is unacceptable.
Why This Matters
This controversy raises serious concerns about democracy and representation in Nigeria. Legal experts warn that extending the suspension could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the constitutional right of Kogi Central residents to have a voice in the Senate.
The debate also highlights tensions over political motivations and the treatment of opposition members in the National Assembly.
As the Court of Appeal prepares to rule, all eyes are on whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be allowed to resume her role or if the dispute will drag on, further fueling public and legal outrage.
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