ADC Accuses Senate, Akpabio of Abusive Obstruction of Senator Natasha’s Return

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly accused the Nigerian Senate and its leadership, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, of being “abusive” in their continued refusal to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The party asserted that the six-month period of her suspension has officially ended, making any further obstruction illegal and morally indefensible.

Violation of Rights and Legal Precedent

In a formal statement, the ADC argued that the suspension was a disciplinary measure with a fixed term and that its expiration should automatically pave the way for her return. The party dismissed any suggestion that a pending legal appeal could be used to justify blocking her, stating that a court case does not grant any official the power to override the constitutional rights of a duly elected representative. The ADC also criticized the Clerk of the National Assembly for his refusal to process her return, describing it as “administrative complicity” in a political issue.

The ADC warned that the Senate’s actions set a dangerous precedent, demonstrating a disregard for the will of the electorate of Kogi Central. The party noted that the punitive measures, which stripped the Senator of her salary and access to her office, were not merely a form of discipline but an act of “institutional mugging.” Furthermore, the ADC highlighted the gendered dimension of the issue, cautioning that the treatment of one of Nigeria’s few female senators could further discourage women from participating in politics, a field where Nigeria’s female representation is already among the lowest in Africa. The party concluded by demanding that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her legislative duties immediately, emphasizing that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is at stake.