ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to ignore a letter from the National Assembly barring her from resuming legislative work after the expiration of her six-month suspension.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described the assembly’s directive as “highly provocative” and a “clear and present danger to democracy,” accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled Senate of seeking to stifle opposition voices.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had written to the Clerk of the National Assembly on Thursday, August 28, 2025, stating her intention to return on Thursday, September 4, 2025, the day she argued marked the end of her suspension.
She cited a July ruling of the Federal High Court that declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional” and ordered her recall.
She demanded immediate access to her office to review pending legislative business, resume committee duties, and address constituency matters.
But in a reply dated Thursday, September 4, 2025, Acting Clerk Yahaya Danzaria rejected her request, insisting that her suspension remains in force until the Court of Appeal rules on the matter.
“The matter therefore remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded … no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” Danzaria wrote.
The PDP countered that the Senate’s stance reflected a broader pattern of “creeping totalitarianism” under the APC-led government.
Ologunagba accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of attempting to “harass, intimidate and keep” Akpoti-Uduaghan away from her duties, while calling on him to “come clean” on longstanding allegations of harassment against women.
“The extreme persecution of a six-month suspension unjustly imposed … is more than enough,” Ologunagba said, urging the senator to “discountenance the reported letter … and get ready to resume at the Senate.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 for gross misconduct following a seating arrangement altercation with the Senate president.
The PDP has asked international partners, rights groups, and democratic institutions to condemn what it called an “unwarranted renewed attack” on the senator.
