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.”

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence that more state governors will join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the 12th expanded stakeholders meeting of the Bayelsa State APC chapter in Yenagoa, Yilwatda, represented by the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu said President Bola Tinubu’s performance has been a major factor attracting defectors from opposition parties.

“Our doors are still open. More governors are still moving into our party. More senators, members of the House of Representatives are coming in because of the caliber, integrity and achievements of the person we made president,” he said.

Yilwatda described President Tinubu as a bold and fearless leader whose policies are yielding results, noting that even critics can’t ignore his achievements.

“Some people are running around trying to challenge the president ahead of 2027. But you know, when a lion walks, the barking of small animals doesn’t distract it. That’s how the President is, focused and result-oriented.”

He said the APC has become more attractive to politicians across regions, especially in the South-South and South-East zones.

“I’m very happy with the South-South. The governors who were previously in other political parties have now seen the quality of our president and have decided to join the APC. That’s commendable. They want to move Nigeria forward, and they know Tinubu is the right person to do it.”

He added that more governors are already in talks to defect to the APC and join the effort to return Tinubu to office in 2027.

Yilwatda emphasized the need for unity within the Bayelsa State APC, urging party members to put aside differences and work together for an overwhelming victory in the next election.

Also speaking at the meeting, former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva said the party in Bayelsa is united and fully prepared for the coming elections.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti are reportedly in high-level consultations about moving to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Sources privy to the discussion told DAILY GAZETTE that the ongoing leadership tussle and unresolved factional disputes within LP have made it difficult for the former Anambra governor and Otti to continue their political activities under its banner.

The situation is further complicated by series of conflicting National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings held by opposing factions earlier this year.

On the other hand, ADC is said to be facing similar internal instability, prompting both politicians to explore alternative platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, though not a popular platform, is being considered as a possible political home.

Discussions are said to be ongoing at the time of filling this report.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that the move comes after repeated attempts to resolve the LP crisis.

Detail soon….