Says blocking her return is illegal, undemocratic, and harmful to women in politics
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the Senate’s refusal to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her seat after completing a six-month suspension.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the Senate’s continued obstruction as “malicious, illegal, and morally indefensible.”
“Her suspension is over — let her return”
The ADC pointed out that Natasha’s suspension wasn’t ordered by a court, and since the Senate-imposed punishment has already run its course, any delay in her return amounts to denying her constitutional rights.
“Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is both illegal and morally indefensible,” the party said.
They warned that what’s happening goes far beyond Natasha — it’s about protecting the will of voters and preventing abuse of power in the legislature.
Constituents are being silenced
The party emphasized that the people of Kogi Central elected Natasha to represent them, and blocking her from doing her job is effectively silencing thousands of constituents.
The ADC also revealed that during her suspension:
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Natasha received no salary
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Her legislative aides were dismissed
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She was denied access to her office
“These are not perks,” the party said, “they are tools for public service. To take them away is institutional mugging.”
Legal experts back her right to return
The ADC cited opinions from several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) who argue that:
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Her suspension cannot be used to block her return
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A pending appeal doesn’t remove her constitutional rights
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The Clerk of the National Assembly has no legal authority to delay her reinstatement
“His job is to facilitate, not adjudicate,” the party said of the Clerk’s refusal to process her return.
Gender bias in politics?
The ADC also flagged a deeper issue: gender representation. Natasha is one of only four women in a 109-member Senate. Nigeria’s 2.7% female representation in the chamber is among the lowest in Africa.
“Any action that resembles gendered intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation,” the party warned.
“This is bigger than one Senate seat”
In closing, the ADC stressed that the issue is not just about Natasha — it’s about defending democratic integrity and protecting the right of citizens to choose their leaders.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while marginalizing half of its population from its most critical spaces of decision-making,” the statement said.
The party demanded that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her duties immediately.
