- Despite her six-month suspension ending on 4 September, the Senate barred Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming duties, citing an ongoing court case
- Senior lawyers and rights organisations criticised the Senate’s actions as unconstitutional, calling it a threat to democracy and due representation
- The PDP and SERAP condemned the move as politically motivated, urging the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and respect constitutional limits
A new wave of condemnation has erupted over the Senate’s refusal to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume duties, despite the expiry of her six-month suspension on September 4. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), and rights groups have slammed the Senate’s stance as unconstitutional and dangerous for democracy.
In a letter dated September 4, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, informed Akpoti-Uduaghan that she remains suspended until the Court of Appeal rules on her suit challenging the March 6 disciplinary action.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read.
The Kogi Central senator was suspended for alleged insubordination after refusing to vacate her seat during plenary. Her suspension also stripped her of salary, office access, and aides. She has consistently claimed the move was politically motivated, citing a petition she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over alleged sexual harassment.
Though Akpoti-Uduaghan secured a favourable judgment in April, the Senate insisted on enforcing the full six-month penalty. Her attempted return in July ended in a standoff with security operatives barring her from the chamber.
PDP, SANs, SERAP react
Reacting to the new development, the PDP, in a statement by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, accused the APC-led Senate of using parliamentary rules to suppress opposition and disenfranchise the people of Kogi Central.
“This is a clear abuse of power. The attempt to use the National Assembly to muzzle a duly elected senator is provocative and a threat to democracy,” the party said.
Several prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria echoed similar sentiments, warning that the Senate was exceeding its constitutional limits.
Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) argued that since Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension had elapsed, she should be allowed to resume immediately.
“To continue barring her from office undermines the constitution and disenfranchises her constituents,” Adedeji said.
Wale Balogun (SAN) added that the Senate’s move amounted to “surreptitious extension” of the suspension without legal basis.
“She has served the full term. Whether the suspension was lawful or not is now a matter for the court, but preventing her return violates the very spirit of democracy,” he stated.
Similarly, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) described the continued denial as “vindictive and petty,” stressing that any further delay undermines the right of her constituents to representation.
“There is no resolution extending the suspension. So, why is she being kept out? The court case has nothing to do with her right to return after the suspension,” Adegboruwa said.
Paul Obi (SAN) said the Senate was “overreaching and overkilling,” warning that courts should not be used as cover to prolong a political penalty.
SERAP demands immediate reinstatement
In a strong-worded statement, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) condemned the Senate’s actions as “a travesty of justice.”
“Akpoti-Uduaghan must be allowed to resume immediately. There is no legal basis for withholding her return based on a pending court case,” the group said.
SERAP added that the continued punishment “for expressing herself” was a violation of her rights under both the Nigerian Constitution and international law.
“The Senate is setting a dangerous precedent. It should promote human rights and rule of law—not suppress them,” SERAP said.
A divided legal view
However, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) offered a more cautious view, urging both parties to await the outcome of their appeals.
“This is now a judicial matter. Let the courts decide,” Ozekhome said.
What’s next?
With the Senate set to reconvene on September 23, pressure is mounting for leadership to reverse its position and allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume. Her legal team maintains that she has fulfilled the suspension terms, and any further delay is unconstitutional.
The controversy is fast becoming a litmus test for legislative accountability, gender inclusion, and constitutional fidelity in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Natasha vs Akpabio: Groups turn protests to wars over support for both senators
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Women in Akwa Ibom protested in defence of Akpabio, denouncing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.
Counter-protests in Abuja called for a fair investigation into Akpabio’s alleged misconduct.
