The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned what it describes as an attempt by the National Assembly to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central from returning to her seat after a six-month suspension.

In a statement issued yesterday by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the party responded to a letter from the National Assembly management urging the senator not to resume until her suspension case is resolved in court.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for six months following a disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sitting arrangements. The situation escalated into a legal dispute when the senator accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, leading to her suspension and ongoing court challenges.

The opposition party urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to prepare for her return when the Senate reconvenes later this month, emphasizing her right to resume her duties.

However, the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed her that her suspension remains in effect due to a pending Court of Appeal case, and no administrative action would be taken until the judicial process concludes. The letter assured her she would be notified of the Senate’s final decision once the case is resolved.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process concludes and the Senate reviews the suspension in light of the court’s ruling, no action can be taken,” the letter stated.

The PDP criticized the move, describing it as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and Senate rules, and warned that it poses a threat to democracy and national stability. The party accused the APC-controlled Senate and Federal Government of deploying tactics to silence opposition voices.

The PDP also condemned what it called attacks on women’s rights, referencing allegations of harassment against women, including accusations against Senate President Akpabio. The party urged the Senate President to address these allegations transparently instead of using institutional powers to intimidate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The PDP concluded by reaffirming support for Akpoti-Uduaghan and calling on the international community and democratic institutions to oppose what it describes as an unwarranted attack on her political rights.