The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it described as an attempt by the Clerk of the National Assembly to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties following a six-month suspension imposed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party accused the Senate leadership, under the All Progressives Congress (APC), of orchestrating a move to silence opposition voices and deny the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District effective representation.
“The attempt to use the National Assembly establishment against an elected senator in violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate’s Standing Rules is provocative and poses a grave threat to democracy and national stability,” the PDP stated.
The opposition party further alleged that the action reflects a broader pattern of efforts by the APC-controlled Senate and Federal Government to stifle dissent, warning that such moves heighten fears of creeping authoritarianism.
The PDP also linked the development to what it termed a sustained attempt to silence women in politics, referencing past allegations of harassment against Senate President Akpabio. It urged the Clerk of the National Assembly to withdraw the purported letter barring Akpoti-Uduaghan and to remain neutral in line with his bureaucratic role.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Kogi Central, the PDP described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as unjust and excessive, insisting that she must be allowed to resume her duties without hindrance.
“The extreme persecution is more than enough. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should discountenance the reported letter and prepare to resume at the Senate,” the statement read.
The PDP called on the international community, democracy institutions, and human rights advocacy groups to condemn what it described as renewed harassment of the senator, warning that further attempts to undermine democratic principles will not be tolerated.
