The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio following reports that the National Assembly leadership is making moves to stop Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) from returning to the Senate after completing her six-month suspension.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene from its two-month recess on September 23. Ahead of this resumption, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6, 2025, wrote to the Assembly leadership on September 4, notifying them of her readiness to resume legislative duties.
However, in a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the senator was informed that her suspension remains active, as the matter is still before the Court of Appeal. According to the letter, no administrative action can be taken until the appellate court rules on her case.
The letter stated:
> “The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision as soon as the issue is resolved.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier this year after a confrontation with Senate President Akpabio over seating arrangements during plenary. She challenged the suspension in court, but the Federal High Court upheld the Senate’s action, prompting her to seek redress at the appellate level.
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PDP’s Reaction
Reacting in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP condemned the Clerk’s letter, describing it as a calculated attempt by the Akpabio-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Senate leadership to silence an opposition voice and deny the people of Kogi Central their rightful representation in the National Assembly.
The party described the development as a violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Senate’s Standing Rules, warning that it poses a grave threat to democracy and national stability.
According to the PDP:
The move constitutes a direct assault on democratic governance and the rule of law.
It reflects a broader pattern of using state institutions to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.
It aligns with what the party described as a creeping slide into authoritarianism under the APC-led government.
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Allegations of Harassment
The PDP further linked the issue to what it called a troubling trend of attacks on women in politics. It recalled allegations of harassment against women leveled at Akpabio in the past, saying the attempt to block Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return reinforces such concerns.
“The Senate President should come clean on these allegations instead of deploying the machinery of the National Assembly to intimidate and silence Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Ologunagba stated.
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PDP’s Demands
The PDP insisted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was unjust, excessive, and should not be extended beyond the six-month period. It warned that preventing her return would amount to a fresh assault on democratic principles.
The party also cautioned the Clerk of the National Assembly against taking sides, urging him to remain neutral and avoid being used as a tool to undermine democracy.
“Our party strongly cautions the Clerk of the National Assembly to be guided by the rules, stay neutral, and not allow himself to be politically entangled,” the statement added.
Calling for international attention, the PDP urged democracy watchdogs, human rights organizations, and the global community to intervene in defense of democratic values in Nigeria.
The opposition party also encouraged Akpoti-Uduaghan not to be intimidated, urging her to go ahead and resume her duties as an elected Senator.
“While charging Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to discountenance the reported letter, the PDP demands that the Senate leadership ensures she is allowed to resume and perform her roles as an elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unhindered,” the statement concluded.
