Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) by the Senate, describing it as an attack on women’s participation in governance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months after she rejected a new seating arrangement and publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The Senate’s decision, taken without an official investigation, has sparked widespread criticism.
Atiku, speaking through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, argued that the suspension undermines affirmative action and discourages women’s participation in leadership. “A society that fails to give women the opportunity to thrive is underutilizing its potential. The Senate’s action without due process is concerning, especially with International Women’s Day approaching,” he said.
Similarly, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, through his ex-media aide Tanko Yunusa, expressed disappointment over the development. He criticized the lack of transparency and fairness in handling the issue.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, further condemned Akpabio’s refusal to step aside for an independent investigation, calling it a betrayal of integrity. He also rebuked opposition lawmakers for their silence, accusing them of prioritizing political survival over justice.
“Natasha could be anyone’s sister, wife, or mother. Watching the Senate use its power to silence her is disgraceful,” Osadolor remarked. “Even more disappointing was the opposition’s failure to speak up when it mattered.”
The controversy has intensified calls for accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s political system, with critics insisting that the Senate must uphold justice and transparency.
