The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called out the Nigerian Senate for barring Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties after serving a six-month suspension.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 10, and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the Senate’s stance as “malicious, illegal, and morally indefensible,” arguing it undermines the principles of democracy.
According to the party, Natasha’s suspension was a disciplinary action imposed by the Senate and not a judicial ruling, and therefore had a clear time limit.
“Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” the statement read.
The ADC warned that the issue transcended partisan lines, stressing that it threatened the foundation of Nigeria’s representative system.
Abdullahi said, “This is not about partisan politics. It is about a dangerous precedent being set within our legislative institutions, one that reduces democratic representation to the whims of a few individuals rather than the will of the electorate.”
The party further lamented that denying Natasha her seat was equal to denying her constituents a voice in governance.
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It also disclosed that during her suspension, she was stripped of her salary, aides, and access to her office.
“These are not privileges, but instruments of public service. To strip an elected senator of these tools is not discipline, it is institutional mugging,” the ADC stated.
The statement criticised the Senate leadership and the Clerk of the National Assembly, accusing them of overstepping their roles and ignoring legal opinions affirming Natasha’s right to return.
Highlighting the gender dimension, the ADC warned that the treatment of Natasha risked discouraging women from politics.
“Senator Natasha is one of only four women in a Senate of 109 members. Nigeria’s female representation of 2.7% is already among the worst in Africa,” it noted.
The party concluded by urging her immediate reinstatement, declaring that what is at stake “is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself.”