By Muhammad Mamman
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating a plot to bar Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) from resuming her legislative duties despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
The Senate is set to reconvene on 23 September after a two-month recess. Ahead of the resumption, Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended on 6 March 2025, had written to the leadership of the National Assembly on 4 September, notifying them of her readiness to return.
However, in a letter signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, she was informed that her suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of her appeal at the Court of Appeal.
“The matter remains sub judice,” the letter stated, adding that no administrative action would be taken until the judicial process is concluded. The Clerk assured the senator she would be duly informed of the Senate’s final decision once the case is resolved.
The PDP, angered by the response, accused the APC-led Senate of attempting to silence the people of Kogi Central and weaken the opposition. The party described the decision as “a fresh assault on democracy” and part of what it called the APC government’s “creeping totalitarianism”.
National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the development also underscored “persistent attacks on women in politics”, recalling allegations of harassment previously levelled against Akpabio.
“The Senate President should address these allegations directly instead of allegedly using his office to intimidate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the PDP said in its statement.
The party further warned the Clerk of the National Assembly to remain neutral and not allow himself to be used as “a tool to undermine democracy and the rule of law”.
Calling on the international community, democratic institutions, and human rights groups to intervene, the PDP urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her duties without fear.
“Her suspension was unjust and excessive. Blocking her return is nothing short of another attack on democratic governance,” the statement added.
