ABUJA: The suspension saga of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked fresh controversy as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have condemned the Senate’s refusal to allow her return when plenary resumes on September 23.
In a letter dated September 4, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed Akpoti-Uduaghan that her six-month suspension, which began on March 6, remains valid until the Court of Appeal rules on 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,” the letter read.
The decision dashed hopes for the Kogi Central senator, who, according to her lawyer Victor Giwa, had already begun preparations to rejoin her colleagues after serving the penalty.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended following a Senate Committee report that accused her of insubordination for refusing to vacate her designated seat during plenary. The suspension stripped her of salaries, aides, and privileges.
She has consistently alleged that the action was politically motivated, linking it to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation dismissed by the Senate.
Though she announced in April that a court had ruled in her favour, Senate leadership insisted she must serve out the full six months.
Her attempted return in July ended in a standoff as security operatives blocked her entry, sparking protests from supporters outside the National Assembly.
Reacting to the latest development, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba accused the APC-led Senate of undermining democracy and silencing opposition voices.
The attempt to use the National Assembly against an elected senator of the Federal Republic in violation of the Constitution is highly provocative and dangerous to democracy, the party said, insisting that the Clerk’s letter be withdrawn immediately.
The party further alleged that the move reflected Akpabio’s history of harassment against women” and called on the international community, civil rights groups, and democratic institutions to intervene.
Several SANs faulted the Senate’s action, describing it as unconstitutional.
Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had elapsed and she should be allowed to resume in line with Sections 68 and 1(3) of the Constitution. He stressed that extended suspension undermines representation and the dignity of the Senate.
Similarly, Wale Balogun (SAN) maintained that the Senate should not deny Kogi Central voters representation, noting that Natasha had served her full term of suspension regardless of the pending court case.
Paul Obi (SAN) described the refusal to reinstate her as “overreaching and an overkill,” while Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) said it amounted to an indirect extension of her suspension, which portrays the Senate as vindictive.
However, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) took a different stance, insisting that both parties should await the court’s final judgment before taking further steps.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also criticized the Senate’s decision, warning that it violated Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations.
“There is no law in Nigeria that prevents Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties pending the outcome of court proceedings. This travesty of justice must end,” SERAP said.
The group demanded that Akpoti-Uduaghan be reinstated immediately, with her salaries and allowances restored.
As the matter drags on, the political and legal standoff continues to polarize the Senate, raising concerns about representation, due process, and the independence of democratic institutions.
