PDP, SANs Tackle Senate Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Blocked Resumption

The suspension drama involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan took a new turn on Tuesday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), and rights groups condemned the Senate’s decision to stop her from resuming duties.

A letter from the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, dated September 4, informed the Kogi Central lawmaker that her six-month suspension, imposed in March, would remain in force until the Court of Appeal rules on her legal challenge 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 stated, dashing her hopes of returning when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended on March 6 over alleged insubordination, has consistently argued that the move was politically motivated and linked to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation the Senate dismissed. Her attempts to return in July ended in a standoff as security operatives barred her entry.

The PDP, in a strongly worded statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, accused the APC-led Senate of deliberately stifling opposition voices. The party described the move as a “calculated attempt to deprive Kogi Central of representation” and warned of “creeping totalitarianism” under the current leadership.

Several Senior Advocates also faulted the Senate’s stance. Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) argued that since Akpoti-Uduaghan had already served the six-month suspension, she should be allowed to resume immediately in line with constitutional provisions. “A temporary suspension cannot be used to effectively deny constituents their right to representation,” he said.

Wale Balogun (SAN) and Paul Obi (SAN) echoed this view, warning that tying her resumption to an ongoing court case amounted to an unlawful extension of her suspension. “It’s an overreach and an overkill,” Obi said. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) added that preventing her from returning “portrays the Senate as vindictive and petty.”

However, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) took a contrary stance, insisting that both parties should await the outcome of their appeals before taking further action.

Civil society groups also waded in. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) described the Senate’s decision as a “travesty of justice,” urging Akpabio and the Senate leadership to immediately allow her resumption and pay her withheld entitlements.

“Being a senator does not deprive Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental rights,” SERAP said. “Blocking her resumption is unconstitutional and undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”

With the Senate set to reconvene later this month, the row over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat is fast shaping into a major test of parliamentary independence, constitutional rights, and the balance between discipline and representation in Nigeria’s democracy.