The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, have jointly condemned the Senate’s refusal to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume legislative duties after serving the terms of her suspension.

Naijaonpoint reports that both groups described the decision as unfair, undemocratic, and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC stated that the refusal had left the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District without representation, despite subsisting court rulings in the senator’s favour.

“The continued barring of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from performing her constitutional duties denies her constituents proper representation and raises concerns about respect for the rule of law,” the statement read.

The NLC added that relying on ongoing litigation to justify the delay was “not in the spirit of democratic accountability” and effectively disenfranchised an entire senatorial district.

It further warned that the labour movement could mobilise nationwide if the matter were not resolved in line with democratic principles.

‘Decision Unjustifiable After suspension’ — Afenifere

Similarly, Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Sola Ebiseni, described the Senate’s stance as a setback for democratic governance.

Speaking with journalists in Akure, he argued that the expiration of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension on September 6 rendered any legal obstacles to her resumption “untenable.”

“It is difficult to still describe the matter as sub judice after the expiry of the suspension,” Ebiseni said.

He added that the Senate, as the apex legislative chamber, must avoid creating a precedent that could embolden state assemblies to weaken constitutional governance.

“The refusal to allow her resumption is unjust not only to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but also to her constituents, who deserve to be fully represented,” he stressed.

Both the NLC and Afenifere urged the Senate leadership to reconsider its position in the interest of justice, democracy, and national stability.