ADC condemns Senate’s Continued Obstruction of Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan

 

 

ADC Condemns Senate’s Continued Obstruction of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Senate for refusing to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her duties following the completion of her six-month suspension.

 

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday, the ADC described the obstruction as “malicious, illegal, and morally indefensible,” warning that it undermines the principles of Nigeria’s democracy.

 

“The suspension of Senator Natasha was imposed by the Senate, not a court of law. Whether one agrees with the basis for that decision or not, the tenure of that disciplinary action has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is both illegal and morally indefensible,” the statement read.

 

The party argued that the matter extends beyond Senator Natasha, stressing that it sets a dangerous precedent where the will of the electorate can be disregarded.

 

“This is not about partisan politics. It is about a dangerous precedent within our legislative institutions, one that reduces democratic representation to the whims of a few individuals rather than the will of the people,” Abdullahi said.

 

The ADC further noted that denying Senator Natasha access to her office and legislative aides during her suspension effectively denied her constituents representation. “These are not privileges, but instruments of public service. To strip an elected senator of these tools is not discipline; it is institutional mugging,” the party said.

 

The party also criticized the Senate leadership for acting as though they are above the law and noted that several Senior Advocates of Nigeria have affirmed that the suspension cannot legally bar her return.

 

According to the ADC, “A pending legal appeal does not suspend constitutional rights, nor does it grant any official the power to override the mandate of the electorate.”

 

Highlighting the gender implications, the party warned that the treatment of Senator Natasha could discourage women from political participation. “Senator Natasha is one of only four women in a 109-member Senate. Any action resembling gendered intimidation would further marginalize women and tarnish Nigeria’s democratic image,” the statement said.

 

The ADC concluded by urging the Senate to allow Senator Natasha to resume her duties immediately, emphasizing that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is at stake.