FixPolitics has unequivocally condemned the senate’s actions in the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and demanded her immediate reinstatement
Leading civil society organisation, #FixPolitics, has strongly criticised the six-month suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi central senatorial district.
The organisation described the action as a violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
The senator was suspended on March 6, 2025 following an altercation over seating arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with the senate citing “gross misconduct” as the reason for its decision.
In a statement, FixPolitics Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, condemned the decision, arguing that it not only silences the senator but also disenfranchises the people of Kogi central by stripping them of their constitutional right to representation.
Ubani further highlighted the declining number of female senators, noting that representation has dropped nearly 50 percent—from seven women in the 9th assembly to just four in the 10th.
He warned that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent, discouraging women from participating in politics and silencing victims of harassment. “This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation.
“The senate’s repeated defiance of these rulings raises serious concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes. Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.
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“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension highlights the systemic barriers and entrenched misogyny that Nigerian women face in politics and society at large.
“The unconstitutional removal of a duly elected legislator denies constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly. In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised—an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The Senate, as Nigeria’s highest law making body, must uphold the rule of law rather than continuously flout court rulings that protect the rights of elected representatives and their constituents.
“FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially—free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”
Additionally, the group urged CSOs, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to join in demanding a legislative environment where all members can perform their duties without fear of harassment or unjust reprisal.
It reiterated that the integrity of democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination.
About FixPolitics
FixPolitics is a research-driven, citizen-led initiative committed to addressing the deep-rooted challenges of poor governance by recognising the central role of politics in building effective states and shaping Africa’s development, beginning with Nigeria.
