The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) don raise alarm say di Nigerian Senate dey try block Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from returning to her seat, even after her six-month suspension don expire. Di party accuse di Clerk of the National Assembly and Senate President Godswill Akpabio of using political tactics to silence opposition and deny Kogi Central people their right to representation2.

Senator Natasha, wey represent Kogi Central, was suspended in March 2025 over alleged breach of Senate rules. Although she don serve di full six-month punishment, di Senate still refuse make she resume, citing ongoing court case wey she file to challenge di suspension. PDP talk say this move na abuse of power and violation of di 1999 Constitution and Senate Standing Rules.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, describe di Senate action as “highly provocative” and warn say e fit destabilize Nigeria democracy. He say di Clerk of di National Assembly suppose be neutral, no be tool for political manipulation. Di party also call on international bodies and democracy advocates to condemn di Senate’s action3.

Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) also criticize di Senate, say di suspension don end and Natasha get full right to resume. He argue say di court case no concern her resumption, but na about di legality of di suspension itself. Labour Party and other civil society groups join voice with PDP, say di Senate dey suppress women voices and opposition lawmakers.

As di matter dey hot, PDP don tell Natasha make she prepare to resume her duties, despite di Senate’s resistance. Di party insist say Nigerians no go allow democracy to dey hijacked by partisan interests. For now, di political tension dey rise, and all eyes dey on di Senate leadership to see whether dem go respect rule of law or continue to block her return.