The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized what it described as an attempt by the Clerk of the National Assembly to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties, following a six-month suspension from the Senate.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said the Clerk’s action appears to be a coordinated move by the Senate leadership under Senator Godswill Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to silence opposition voices in the National Assembly.
The party described the move as unconstitutional and a violation of the Senate’s Standing Rules, saying it undermines the democratic rights of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, whom Senator Natasha represents.
“This action is provocative and poses a threat to democracy and national stability,” the statement said.
The PDP further accused the APC-led government of using institutions of state to stifle the opposition, alleging that the Clerk’s actions reflect ongoing efforts to suppress women’s voices in politics.
The party also referenced past allegations of harassment against Senate President Akpabio, urging him to address those issues rather than allegedly using official channels to target Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The PDP demanded the immediate withdrawal of the letter barring the senator from resuming, advising the Clerk to remain neutral and not allow himself to be used for political purposes.
It also called on the international community, human rights groups, and pro-democracy organizations to speak out against the development.
The PDP reaffirmed its support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her to disregard the reported letter and resume her duties as an elected senator without fear.
