₦airaland Forum

…Warns of Threat to Democracy


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 poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and undermines women’s participation in politics.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises 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 said.

The party noted that denying Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.

The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.

“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.

Highlighting that Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.

“Any action that resembles gendered intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Abdullahi added.

The ADC insisted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.

“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.

Ofunaofu:
…Warns of Threat to Democracy


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 poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and undermines women’s participation in politics.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises 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 said.

The party noted that denying Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.

The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.

“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.

Highlighting that Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.

“Any action that resembles gendered intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Abdullahi added.


The ADC insisted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.


“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/adc-demands-natashas-immediate-reinstatement/

Ikaeniyan0:
She won't be immediately reinstated, she was asked by the court to apologize to Akpabio but she's proving to be stubborn.

Till today, she has not charge Akpabio to court for all the things she accused him of

Ofunaofu:
That is very flawed . First, let’s get the facts straight: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was imposed by the Senate, not a court of law, and that suspension has already lapsed. There is no legal basis for her continued exclusion from the chamber. Period.

Now, to this your your "she was asked to apologize" claim, apologies don’t override constitutional rights or due process. This isn’t a monarchy where personal pride trumps law; it's a democracy. You don’t silence an elected senator and by extension, her constituents over ego.

If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made accusations against Akpabio, the proper path is due legal process, not political punishment disguised as procedure. And let’s not pretend the justice system moves swiftly or without influence especially when high-ranking politicians are involved.

Finally, let’s not ignore the bigger issue. Just as it was highlighted by the ADC National publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji, only 4 women out of 109 senators, and one is being politically sidelined for refusing to bow to power. That’s not just stubbornness, it’s courage. What’s really stubborn is the refusal of certain power blocs to let democracy work unless it serves their ego.

Ikaeniyan0:
The court asked her to apologize, instead of apologizing she choose to appeal, she will be reinstated after the court of appeal gives a judgement on the case. Till today, she has not sued Akpabio to court for sexual assault.

She tarnished the image of Nigeria and the senate president without providing any single evidence to back up her claim. I have no pity for her, she's wicked and cruel

Ikaeniyan0:
She won't be immediately reinstated, she was asked by the court to apologize to Akpabio but she's proving to be stubborn.

Till today, she has not charge Akpabio to court for all the things she accused him of

Ofunaofu:
Senator Natasha’s suspension came from the Senate, not a court and it has already lapsed. Keeping her out now has zero legal basis.

Being asked to apologize, a mere directive, not a judgment doesn’t erase her constitutional rights. This is a democracy, not a monarchy. You don’t silence a senator, and by extension her voters, over bruised egos.

If Akpabio felt defamed, the courts are open to him. Funny how a woman speaking up is called wicked, but unchecked and unbridled power keeps getting a pass.

And let’s be honest, the image of the Senate and Nigeria was already tarnished the moment people like Akpabio and Tinubu were allowed to become senators and president.

Ikaeniyan0:
The court asked her to apologize, instead of apologizing she choose to appeal, she will be reinstated after the court of appeal gives a judgement on the case. Till today, she has not sued Akpabio to court for sexual assault.

She tarnished the image of Nigeria and the senate president without providing any single evidence to back up her claim. I have no pity for her, she's wicked and cruel

Ofunaofu:
Now, to this your your "she was asked to apologize" claim, apologies don’t override constitutional rights or due process. This isn’t a monarchy where personal pride trumps law; it's a democracy. You don’t silence an elected senator and by extension, her constituents over ego.

If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made accusations against Akpabio, the proper path is due legal process, not political punishment disguised as procedure. And let’s not pretend the justice system moves swiftly or without influence especially when high-ranking politicians are involved.

Finally, let’s not ignore the bigger issue. Just as it was highlighted by the ADC National publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji, only 4 women out of 109 senators, and one is being politically sidelined for refusing to bow to power. That’s not just stubbornness, it’s courage. What’s really stubborn is the refusal of certain power blocs to let democracy work unless it serves their ego.

Ikaeniyan0:
She won't be immediately reinstated, she was asked by the court to apologize to Akpabio but she's proving to be stubborn.

*Till today,she has not charge Akpabio to court for all the things she accused him of*

Donald7610:
You know nothing about senate
She was never a politician
She got there through court
That's the reason for her ego
Till she tarry on the queue

ambale:
So for that reason she should keep being suspended?

You guys are just amazing sincerely

Anyone that goes against Una draconian government like this is tarnishing the country's image

Who tarnished the country's image when the APC was designated as a terrorist party in Canada?

Na stuffs like this dey cause am

Idanrehills:
What pain will a simple apology inflict on Natasha? Could this be adduced as the reason while she is in her third marriage?
She is a parliamentarian. Rules must be obeyed. She many not step her feet in the Senate again if she continues in this posture.
Arrogance pays nothing. She needs to learn on how to put good manners into practice. Natasha to me,is just playing to the gallery.

Safyqueen:
No court asked her to apologize to Akpabio but to the court for contempt of law when she spoke at one of the media stations when court has ordered against doing that on the case that time.
If she had not charged Akpabio to court till now, what is this court brohaha against her resumption for then?