By Amanabo Ocholi | The Bureau News
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, warning that continued obstruction of her return after a six-month suspension undermines Nigeria’s democracy and discourages women’s participation in politics.
ADC: Suspension Has Lapsed, Democracy at Risk
In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, the party described efforts to stop the senator from resuming her legislative duties as illegal and morally indefensible.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her resumption is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC stressed that denying Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the Senate chamber effectively silences her constituents, while the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
ADC Criticises National Assembly Management
The party also faulted the Clerk of the National Assembly for refusing to process her resumption on grounds that the case was still before the courts.
“The Clerk’s role is administrative, not judicial. Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the ADC said.
Gender Inclusion Concerns
Highlighting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC said the handling of her suspension sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigeria’s 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 decision-making spaces,” Abdullahi added.
Democracy Beyond One Seat
The ADC insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter goes beyond one individual senator.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party concluded.
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