The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, warning that continued obstruction of her return after a six-month suspension poses a threat to Nigeria?s democracy and undermines women?s participation in politics.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.

?The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,? Abdullahi said.

The party noted that denying Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.

The ADC also criticized the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk?s role was administrative, not judicial.

?Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,? the party stated.

Highlighting that Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.

?Any action that resembles gendered intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women?s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,? Abdullahi added.

The ADC insisted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual. (Vanguard)

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