Suspension expiration: PDP roars as Senate rejects Natasha's return

•The reasons for her inability to return yet —NASS

•PDP criticizes Akpabio and Senate leadership

By Henry Umoru & Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA—The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party, has condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio for the National Assembly's attempt to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) from rejoining the Senate following her six-month suspension.

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene following a two-month break on September 23.

On September 4, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who faced suspension starting March 6, notified Assembly leadership of her intent to return.

However, in a response signed by Acting Clerk Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, she was informed that her suspension remained in effect due to an ongoing case in the Court of Appeal.

Reacting to the Senate's action, the PDP criticized both the Senate President and the leadership from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for attempting to block Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return after her suspension, claiming this move aims to silence the voices of the Kogi Central senatorial district in the National Assembly and to weaken the opposition.

Previously, the senator challenged her suspension in court, which started on March 6, 2025, following a dispute with Senate President Akpabio regarding seating during plenary sessions.

Court ruling
The Federal High Court ruled in favor of the Senate, leading her to appeal the decision.

The National Assembly stated that no actions would be taken until the Court of Appeal reaches a verdict.

The suspension will not be reconsidered until the judicial process reaches its final outcome, as reiterated in the statement.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was promised that she would receive an official notification regarding the Senate's ultimate decision once the case is fully resolved.

The correspondence stated: "Consequently, this issue is still pending in court, and no administrative measures can be taken by this office for your return until the judicial proceedings are completed and the Senate has reviewed the suspension based on the court’s decision. You will be informed of the Senate's ruling on this matter promptly once it is settled."

The PDP has accused Akpabio of trying to prevent Natasha from returning to the Senate.
In response, PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, released a statement denouncing claims that the Clerk of the National Assembly had sent a letter prohibiting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from her duties.

"The Clerk of the National Assembly’s reported actions appear to be a calculated plan orchestrated by the APC Senate leadership under Akpabio to restrict the representation rights of the Kogi Central Senatorial District and silence their voice in the country's highest legislative body," the statement expressed.

The PDP argued that this action breaches the amended 1999 Constitution and the Senate’s Standing Rules, deeming it a grave threat to democracy and national integrity.

"This attempt to weaponize the National Assembly against a sitting Senator is both provocative and a direct attack on the rule of law and democratic values," stated Ologunagba.

Moreover, the opposition party accused the APC of utilizing state powers to suppress dissenting voices.

"This behavior is merely one example of the tactics frequently employed by the APC-controlled Senate and the Federal Government to suffocate the opposition, which further illustrates the emerging authoritarianism in our nation under the APC administration," the PDP remarked.

Additionally, the statement drew links between this issue and ongoing attacks against women in leadership, recalling allegations of harassment directed at Senate President Akpabio.

"The action taken against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further highlights concerns regarding the infringement of women’s rights in politics, emphasizing the persistent efforts to silence their voices amidst various harassment allegations against the current Senate President over the years," Ologunagba continued.

The PDP called on Akpabio to directly confront these allegations rather than allegedly using his position to intimidate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.