The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, warning that continued obstruction of her return after a six-month suspension threatens Nigeria’s democracy and undermines women’s political participation.
In a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties amounts to a violation of democratic principles and a denial of representation for her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC criticised the Senate for withdrawing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary, aides, and office access during the suspension, describing the action as excessive punishment. It also faulted the Clerk of the National Assembly for refusing to process her resumption because the matter was before the courts, arguing that the
