The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, to disregard the national assembly’s order barring her from returning to her legislative duties.
In August, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the clerk of the national assembly, notifying him of her intention to resume on September 4, which she said marked the end of her six-month suspension.
The senator cited a July ruling of the federal high court which declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional” and ordered her recall. She also demanded immediate access to her office to prepare for plenary sessions, review pending business, and attend to constituency matters.
However, on September 4, Yahaya Danzaria, acting clerk of the national assembly, rejected her request. He argued that her suspension, which began on March 6, remains under litigation at the court of appeal, and until the judicial process is concluded, she cannot resume.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, described the clerk’s letter as “provocative” and “a clear and present danger to democracy.” He accused the APC-led Senate and federal government of suffocating the opposition and pushing Nigeria toward “creeping totalitarianism.”
Ologunagba also alleged that the directive against Akpoti-Uduaghan reflects a broader attempt to silence women in politics, citing past allegations of harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“The extreme persecution of a six-month suspension unjustly imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is more than enough,” Ologunagba said. He urged the clerk to withdraw his letter, warning against turning the national assembly into a political tool.
The PDP further called on the international community and rights groups to condemn what it described as a renewed attack on Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The party insisted that the senator should resume immediately, stressing that her suspension has expired and that continued resistance undermines both democracy and the rule of law.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after a confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements. Previous attempts by her to return have been resisted by the national assembly leadership.
