The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it described as an attempt by the Clerk of the National Assembly and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to block Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties after a six-month suspension.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said the move was a violation of the 1999 Constitution and the Standing Rules of the Senate. The party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Senate leadership of using the National Assembly’s machinery to silence opposition voices.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6 after being accused of insubordination. She insisted her suspension was politically motivated and linked it to a petition she filed against Akpabio over alleged sexual harassment, which the Senate dismissed. A court later ruled in her favour, but Senate leadership maintained that she must serve the full penalty.
Tensions escalated in July when security operatives prevented her from entering the chamber, sparking protests outside the National Assembly. Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, said she was preparing to return on September 23, when the Senate reconvenes.
However, in a letter dated September 4, Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, reaffirmed that her suspension would stand pending an appeal court judgment.
Reacting, the PDP described the Clerk’s letter as part of a broader plan to deny Kogi Central residents representation.
“The attempt to use the National Assembly establishment against an elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria… is highly provocative and constitutes a clear and present danger to democracy and overall stability of our country,” the statement read.
The opposition party also accused Akpabio of targeting women in politics, referencing past allegations of harassment against him. It urged him to address the accusations instead of using parliamentary structures to sideline Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The PDP called on the international community, rights groups, and development partners to intervene, while charging the senator to “discountenance” the Clerk’s letter and prepare to resume.
“Our party strongly cautions the Clerk of the National Assembly to withdraw the said letter and play by the rules by being neutral as a bureaucrat,” the statement added.
The PDP maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was unjust and vowed to stand with her and the people of Kogi Central against what it termed an “unwarranted renewed attack.”
