PDP, Senior Advocates Fault Senate Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Blocked Resumption

The suspension saga involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central deepened on Tuesday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) strongly criticized the Senate’s refusal to allow her return when plenary resumes on September 23.

In a letter dated September 4, Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed Akpoti-Uduaghan that her six-month suspension, imposed on March 6, remains valid until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment in her case against the Senate.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate decision as soon as it is resolved,” the letter stated.

The development dashed the lawmaker’s hopes of rejoining her colleagues after serving out the suspension. According to her lawyer, Victor Giwa, she had already begun preparations to resume legislative duties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after the Senate adopted a report accusing her of insubordination for refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary. The suspension stripped her of salaries, aides, and office privileges.

The senator has repeatedly maintained that her ordeal was politically motivated, linking it to a petition she filed accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—allegations the Senate dismissed. She challenged the suspension in court, and in April claimed to have secured a favorable judgment. However, Senate leadership insisted she would serve the full suspension. A July attempt to force her way back into the chamber ended in a standoff, with security operatives blocking her entry despite protests from her supporters.

Reacting to the fresh letter, PDP accused the Senate of acting in bad faith. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party described the move as a deliberate attempt by the APC-led Senate to silence opposition and deny Kogi Central people their rightful representation.

“The attempt to use the National Assembly establishment against an elected senator of the Federal Republic in violation of the Constitution and Senate Standing Rules is provocative and a threat to democracy,” the statement read.

The opposition party linked the decision to what it called Akpabio’s “history of harassment against women,” urging him to clear his name rather than intimidate a female colleague. PDP further called on rights groups, democratic institutions, and the international community to intervene, insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan must be allowed to resume.

Several Senior Advocates also faulted the Senate’s stance, describing it as unconstitutional. Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) argued that since Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension had lapsed, she ought to resume without delay.

“While Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the Senate to regulate its procedure, Section 68 makes clear that a seat can only be vacated under specific constitutional circumstances. A temporary suspension must not be used in a way that denies constituents their right to representation,” Adedeji stressed.

He recalled that in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), Justice Binta Nyako cautioned against excessive suspensions, observing that a six-month penalty—half a legislative year—undermines democratic representation.