The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned attempts to stop Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from returning to the Senate, warning that any further obstruction amounts to abuse of power and a threat to democratic governance.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized the Senate leadership for defying both legal and moral obligations by preventing the Kogi Central lawmaker from resuming after her six-month suspension.
Senator Natasha was suspended on March 6, 2025, over alleged insubordination, which resulted in the loss of her salary, aides, and office privileges.
She claims the suspension was politically motivated, following a petition she submitted accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation the Senate dismissed.
Despite a court ruling in her favour, the Senate insisted on enforcing the full suspension.
In July, she was denied entry into the chamber by security personnel, prompting public outrage.
Although her legal team has indicated plans for her to resume on September 23, a letter from the Acting Clerk dated September 4 reiterated that her suspension remains, pending an appeal.
The ADC said the continued denial of access to the chamber is unconstitutional and violates the rights of both the senator and her constituents.
“This is not discipline, it is institutional mugging,” Abdullahi stated.
“Senator Natasha has served the full term of her suspension. Any effort to prolong it is illegal, politically motivated, and a threat to the foundations of our democracy.”
The party called the Senate’s stance a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic representation and silences dissent.
Highlighting gender inequality in politics, the ADC expressed concern over the implications for women in governance.
“Senator Natasha is one of only four women in a 109-member Senate. Nigeria’s already poor 2.7% female representation cannot afford further setbacks through intimidation and exclusion,” the party said.
The party demanded immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha, stating:
“The Senate must not be seen as operating above the law. A pending appeal is not grounds to suspend a citizen’s constitutional rights. Democracy requires dissent, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.”
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for allegedly siding with political interests by refusing to process her resumption, warning that administrative neutrality is vital to institutional credibility.
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy and supporting women in politics, urging Senate leadership to act in accordance with the law and democratic values.
“Denying Natasha her seat is not just an attack on her—it’s an attack on the people who elected her. The Senate must do the right thing.”
