The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned efforts to block Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties, describing the obstruction as an abuse of power and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement on Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi criticized the Senate leadership for preventing the Kogi Central lawmaker from returning to her seat after completing a six-month suspension imposed on March 6 for alleged insubordination. During the suspension, Natasha lost her salary, aides, and office privileges.
Abdullahi said, “The continued obstruction of Senator Natasha is not only illegal but also morally indefensible. This is about upholding the mandate of the electorate and the constitutional rights of elected representatives, not partisan politics.”
Senator Natasha maintains her suspension was politically motivated after filing complaints of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio. Though a court ruled in her favor, she was still barred from resuming her duties. She plans to return on September 23, but a September 4 letter from the Acting Clerk reaffirmed the suspension pending an appeal.
The ADC warned that prolonging the obstruction undermines democratic representation and discourages dissenting voices. The party also highlighted the impact on women’s political participation, noting that Natasha is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate.
“Denying her access to the chamber is, by extension, denying her constituents the right to be heard,” Abdullahi said. “We demand that Senator Natasha be allowed to resume her duties immediately.”
