PDP Accuses Akpabio of Blocking Natasha’s Return to Senate, Warns of Threat to Democracy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lashed out at Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Senate leadership over moves to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) from resuming legislative duties after serving a six-month suspension.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on September 23, 2025, after its two-month recess. Ahead of resumption, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had written to the leadership of the National Assembly on September 4, notifying them of her intention to return.
However, in a response signed by Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, she was told her suspension remained in force pending the outcome of her case at the Court of Appeal.
The development has sparked outrage from the PDP, which accused the Senate President of deliberately silencing opposition voices.
PDP: Kogi Central denied representation
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP condemned the letter barring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as unconstitutional and a calculated attempt to deny the people of Kogi Central their representation.
“This action smacks of a calculated plot orchestrated by the Akpabio-led APC Senate leadership to abridge the rights of the people of Kogi Central and deny them a voice in the National Assembly,” the statement read.
The party argued that the move contravenes the 1999 Constitution and the Standing Rules of the Senate, insisting it amounts to “a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.”
Suspension and legal tussle
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after clashing with Akpabio during plenary over seating arrangements. She challenged the action in court, but the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the Senate. The case is now before the Court of Appeal.
According to the Clerk’s letter, no administrative action will be taken until the appellate court delivers judgment, after which the Senate will formally review her suspension.
PDP links move to attacks on women in politics
The PDP also suggested that the matter highlights a broader pattern of attacks on women in politics, pointing to previous allegations of harassment against women linked to the Senate President.
“The reported action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan underscores the sustained attempts to stifle women’s voices in politics,” the party said, urging Akpabio to “come clean” on such allegations instead of allegedly using his office to intimidate opponents.
Call for intervention
The PDP called on the international community, civil society, and democracy watchdogs to intervene, while urging the Clerk of the National Assembly to remain neutral.
“Our party strongly cautions the Clerk not to allow himself to be used as a political tool to undermine democracy,” the statement read.
The opposition party also charged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to proceed with her resumption plan, vowing that the PDP will resist any attempt to keep her out of the chamber.