The African Democratic Congress has asked the Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that blocking her return after a six-month suspension is a danger to Nigeria’s democracy and a setback for women in politics.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said preventing Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, from resuming her duties is unfair to her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC also condemned the decision to stop her salary, withdraw her aides, and deny her office access, calling it excessive punishment.
It faulted the Clerk of the National Assembly for refusing to process her resumption, insisting that the Clerk’s role is administrative and not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party said.
The ADC stressed that Natasha’s case carries wider implications because she is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate.
“Any action that resembles gendered intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Abdullahi added.
The party insisted that Natasha must be allowed to resume her seat immediately, warning that the issue goes beyond her as an individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party stated.
