“Any Obstruction Is Abusive,” ADC Warns Akpabio, Demands Natasha’s Immediate Return to Senate
- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned the Nigerian Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, against delaying the return of the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to the chamber
- The ADC, in a statement released on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, asked Akpabio and the Senate to expedite her immediate return since her suspension had ended
- The ADC's national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, frowned at the Senate's decision to strip Natasha of her salary, aides, and office access during the period of her suspension
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Abuja - On Wednesday, September 10, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the move to hinder the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to legislative duties.
The party described such a move as an abuse of power and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Source: Facebook
In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the Senate leadership of disregarding both legal precedent and moral obligation by preventing the Kogi Central Senator from resuming her role after completing a six-month suspension.
Legit.ng reported that the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate stated that her six-month suspension remains in force pending the outcome of a Court of Appeal case instituted against the Senate by Senator Natasha.
Natasha: ADC challenges Senate leadership
But reacting, the ADC cautioned that the continued obstruction mirrors the APC-led government’s growing intolerance for democracy, aimed at stifling opposition and suppressing dissenting voices.
Abdullahi stated:
“The African Democratic Congress observes with deep concern the continued obstruction of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her seat in the Nigerian Senate after the completion of her six-month suspension. We consider this development not only malicious but also deeply injurious to the spirit of our constitutional democracy, especially the right to dissent.”
Source: Twitter
As reported by The Punch, the ADC expressed concern that throughout her suspension, Senator Natasha was stripped of her salary, aides, and office access, stressing that these are essential tools for public service, not mere privileges.
The statement read in part:
“To strip an elected senator of these tools is not discipline, it is institutional mugging.
“We challenge the Senate President and his colleagues to explain why a suspension that has run its course should be made indefinite by stealth.”
ADC demands Natasha's immediate reinstatement
The ADC further highlighted that the Senate’s handling of one of its few female members carries wider consequences for women’s political participation.
It added:
“The ADC, therefore, stands firmly in defence of democratic principles and women’s political participation. We therefore demand that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her duties immediately.”
Read more about Natasha here:
- Natasha vs Akpabio: “Why Senate cannot recall Kogi lawmaker,” Lawyer explains
- Natasha vs Senate: Lawyer explains why Kogi senator can’t enforce court judgement
- Court grants Natasha bail on fresh charge
Natasha resumes Senate after London trip - Lawyer
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, will return to the National Assembly later this month after completing her six-month suspension.
The Kogi state senator's lawyer, Victor Giwa, disclosed that the senator, currently on vacation in London, had already made plans to resume plenary alongside her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on Tuesday, September 23.
“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
