The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned a move by the Senate to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties following a six-month suspension.
In a statement that went viral on Wednesday, which was signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, PDP said the Senate action is “unconstitutional.”
The PDP stated that the attempt, allegedly orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership under Godswill Akpabio, is a deliberate effort to silence the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District and deprive them of representation.
The party warned that using the National Assembly’s administrative structure against an elected official is a severe violation of both the 1999 Constitution and the Senate’s rules.
The PDP labelled the move “highly provocative” and a “clear and present danger to democracy.” The party further claimed this incident is part of a broader strategy by the APC to suppress the opposition and showcases a growing totalitarianism in the country.
PDP also highlighted the issue as a form of “gender-based intimidation,” alleging it’s another example of attempts to attack women’s rights and silence their voices.
The PDP insisted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has already completed her six-month suspension, calling it “unjustly imposed” and “more than enough.” The party urged Senate President Akpabio to address the various allegations against him.
Additionally, the PDP called on the Clerk of the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, to retract his letter and remain neutral in his official capacity. The party cautioned him against being used as a political tool to undermine democracy.
The PDP appealed to the international community and human rights organisations to condemn the actions against the senator and advised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to disregard the letter and prepare to resume her legislative duties.
In a counter-move, the National Assembly confirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot yet return to her post.
The Port City News earlier reported that in a letter dated, Acting Clerk Yahaya Danzaria acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notice of resumption but maintained that her suspension remains in effect until her court appeal is resolved.
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Danzaria stated that since the case is “sub judice,” no administrative action can be taken to facilitate her return. The Senate confirmed her six-month suspension, which started on March 6, 2025, will only be reviewed after the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for alleged insubordination after she refused to accept a different seat during a plenary session.
The suspension, recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also resulted in her losing her aides, office privileges, and salary.
The lawmaker has repeatedly claimed her suspension is linked to a sexual harassment petition she filed against Akpabio, an accusation the Senate has dismissed. Akpoti-Uduaghan has stated she won a favourable court judgment regarding her suspension.
An earlier attempt to resume in July was blocked by security officials, who prevented her from entering the National Assembly.
