PDP slams Akpabio over Natasha suspension, alleging a plot to silence opposition and bar Kogi Central senator from resuming duties despite elapsed term
PDP slams Akpabio over Natasha suspension as tensions flare between Nigeria’s main opposition party and the leadership of the National Assembly ahead of the Senate’s September 23 resumption.
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Senate of orchestrating a calculated move to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from returning to the Red Chamber following her six-month suspension.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, after a confrontation with Senate President Akpabio during a heated plenary session.
Her suspension is now being contested in court, with a pending appeal yet to be decided.
The lawmaker wrote to the Senate leadership on September 4, notifying them of her intent to resume legislative duties.
However, in a reply signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, she was told that her suspension remains in effect due to the pending case at the Court of Appeal.
PDP slams Akpabio over Natasha suspension, describing the development as a “deliberate attempt to silence opposition voices” and deny Kogi Central constituents their right to representation.
In a strongly worded statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said:
“This reported action smacks of a calculated attempt orchestrated by the Akpabio-led APC Senate leadership to abridge the right of representation of the people of Kogi Central and deny them a voice at the highest law-making body in the country.”
The PDP contends that the ongoing delay in reinstating Akpoti-Uduaghan violates the 1999 Constitution and Senate Standing Rules, calling it a “serious threat to democracy and national stability.”
“It is highly provocative and constitutes a direct assault on the rule of law,” the statement added, accusing the APC of leveraging state institutions to muzzle dissent.
The opposition party further described the situation as part of a broader effort to suppress women in politics, citing long-standing allegations of harassment against the Senate President.
“This action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlights persistent attempts to intimidate and silence women voices in politics,” Ologunagba noted, urging Akpabio to address the accusations against him directly.
The Senate maintains that no administrative steps can be taken until the judicial process concludes.
However, the PDP argues that Akpoti-Uduaghan has already served the full suspension term and should be allowed to resume immediately.
“The time for political intimidation is over. Kogi Central deserves to be heard,” Ologunagba concluded.
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As the Senate reconvenes later this month, the battle over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return is likely to be a flashpoint, potentially setting the tone for a stormy legislative session.
