The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the leadership for refusing to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after her six-month suspension, describing the move as unlawful, malicious, and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned what it called an abuse of power and a direct affront to constitutional democracy. The ADC stressed that the senator, representing Kogi Central, has completed the term of her suspension and must be allowed to return to her legislative duties without further delay.
“The suspension of Senator Natasha was imposed by the Senate, not a court of law. Whether one agrees with the basis for that decision or not, the tenure of that disciplinary action has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is both illegal and morally indefensible,” Abdullahi declared.
The ADC further accused the Senate leadership of setting a dangerous precedent that undermines representation and silences opposition voices. It warned that singling out Senator Natasha in this manner risks further discouraging women’s participation in politics.
According to the party, denying Senator Natasha access to the chamber also strips her constituents of their constitutional right to be represented. “The people of her constituency elected her to speak on their behalf. Blocking her resumption denies them that voice,” the statement noted.
The party also expressed concern over the denial of the senator’s salary, legislative aides, and access to her office throughout her suspension, describing it as “institutional mugging” rather than legitimate discipline.
ADC faulted the Senate leadership’s “posture of impunity,” urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his colleagues to explain why a suspension that has already run its course is being indefinitely prolonged.
The party emphasizemphasisedveral Senior Advocates of Nigeria have affirmed that the expiration of Natasha’s suspension makes her continued exclusion unconstitutional. “A pending legal appeal does not suspend constitutional rights, nor does it empower any official to override the mandate of the electorate,” the statement argued.
The ADC also criticizcriticisedrk of the National Assembly for refusing to process Senator Natasha’s resumption on the gbecauseter is sub judice. The party described his action as “administrative complicity,” stressing that the Clerk’s role is to facilitate legislative processes, not to adjudicate political disputes.
“This is not about partisan politics. It is about protecting democratic norms, ensuring accountability, and preventing legislative institutions from being reduced to tools of intimidation,” the ADC concluded.
