The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has condemned the Nigerian Senate’s refusal to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resume her legislative duties following the expiration of her six-month suspension.
Speaking in Abuja, IPAC National Secretary, High Chief Peter Ameh, described the Senate’s action as a direct assault on democracy, warning that continued suppression of elected lawmakers could push the country toward single-party rule.
“It is embarrassing that our democracy is being hijacked by those who do not understand its core values, freedom of expression and the right of every constituency to be represented,” said Ameh.
“To use the authority of the chamber to settle personal scores is a dangerous abuse of power.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct.
Having served the suspension duration, she wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly on September 4, requesting to resume duties.
However, Acting Clerk Dr. Yahaya Danzaria responded that the matter remains under consideration at the Court of Appeal and until judgment is delivered, no administrative action can be taken.
Ameh rejected the Senate’s reliance on pending litigation to delay her return, arguing that the six-month suspension period was definite and not subject to judicial interpretation.
He also criticized the judiciary for not issuing a timely ruling, stating:
“The courts are enabling tutelary tyranny by refusing to set a strong precedent against the suspension of elected lawmakers by their peers.”
The IPAC Secretary linked the Senate’s stance to wider trends of shrinking democratic space in Nigeria, referencing recent disruptions of opposition rallies in Lagos and Kebbi States.
“The APC is clearly afraid of 2027 because Nigerians have rejected them. If they truly believe in their popularity, why suppress the opposition in Lagos and Kebbi?”
“The next election will be a referendum on their leadership and Nigerians will resist any attempt to stifle opposition voices,” Ameh added.
Ameh called on the Senate, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to allow Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume work, warning that continuing to leave a senatorial district unrepresented undermines public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
“No democracy thrives when a whole senatorial district is denied representation due to internal politics. Constituents must not be punished for political disagreements within the chamber.”
