Afenifere flags concern over Natasha’s Senate future

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has weighed in on the ongoing impasse over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate after her suspension.

The group raised concerns over the continued refusal of the Senate to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties, warning that the delay sets a dangerous precedent for democratic governance.

Speaking with journalists in Akure, Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, said the six-month suspension expired on September 6, making any legal obstacles to her resumption “untenable.”

“It is difficult to still describe the matter as sub judice after the expiry of the suspension,” Ebiseni said. “The decision has denied the people of Kogi Central their constitutional right to representation in the Senate.”

He urged the Senate to avoid creating precedents that state assemblies could adopt in ways that weaken constitutional governance. “The refusal to allow her resumption is unjust not only to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but also to her constituents, who deserve to be fully represented,” he added.

Ebiseni’s intervention follows strong criticism from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has also condemned the Senate’s action as unfair and undemocratic. In a statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the delay left Kogi Central constituents without representation despite court rulings in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s favour.

“The continued barring of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from performing her constitutional duties denies her constituents proper representation and raises concerns about respect for the rule of law,” the NLC statement read.

Both Afenifere and the NLC called on the Senate leadership to reconsider its position to safeguard justice, democracy, and national stability.