The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned alleged moves to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming at the Senate following the expiration of her six-month suspension.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP described the attempt to use the National Assembly bureaucracy against an elected senator as a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Standing Rules of the Senate. The party said such action is provocative and poses a “clear and present danger” to Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.
According to the PDP, the development reflects a pattern of tactics allegedly deployed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled Senate and the Federal Government to stifle opposition voices.
“The reported action by the Clerk of the National Assembly against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further underscores allegations of sustained attacks on the rights of women and efforts to silence them — as seen in the various accusations of harassment against the current Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over the years,” the statement read.
The PDP urged the Senate President to address the allegations against him rather than allegedly using the National Assembly’s machinery to “harass, intimidate and keep Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan away from the Senate.”
It added that the six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was “extreme” and “contrary to the Senate’s own rules,” stressing that it stands with the people of Kogi Central and “all well-meaning Nigerians” in condemning what it termed a renewed attack on the lawmaker.
The PDP also cautioned the Clerk of the National Assembly to withdraw the said letter and remain neutral, warning him against being politically entangled or used as a tool to undermine democracy and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the party called on the international community, democracy institutions, human rights groups, and other partners to condemn the alleged move.
While urging Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to disregard the reported letter and prepare to resume at the Senate, the PDP demanded that the Senate leadership ensure she is allowed to perform her duties without hindrance.
