(DDM) – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, whose six-month suspension has officially expired.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the senator, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended on March 6, 2025, after a heated dispute in the upper legislative chamber over allegations of misconduct.
Her suspension, which stripped her of salary, official aides, and legislative privileges, ended in September. However, Senate leaders have insisted that her return to plenary must wait until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on her case.
NBA President Afam Osigwe argued that the punishment had lapsed and warned that further delay in reinstating Natasha amounted to a violation of democratic rights.
He stressed that the ongoing legal process should not be used to deny the people of Kogi Central representation at the national level.
“The people of Kogi Central deserve a voice in the Senate,” Osigwe declared. He urged lawmakers to avoid setting a precedent where political disputes silence elected representatives.
The NBA further demanded that the National Assembly respect constitutional fairness and the principle of separation of powers.
According to Osigwe, legislative overreach in such matters risks eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
Supporters of Senator Natasha have also staged protests in Lokoja and Abuja, accusing Senate leaders of bias.
They argued that other lawmakers facing serious scandals have remained in office, while Natasha continues to be sidelined. Many protesters described the action against her as political persecution.
Political analysts say the controversy is the latest chapter in Natasha’s turbulent career.
In 2019, she contested the Kogi governorship election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emerging as the first woman to mount a serious challenge against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Her campaign drew nationwide attention with promises of anti-corruption reforms, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.
However, she alleged intimidation and violent attacks against her supporters during the poll, accusing then-Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration of orchestrating harassment.
Though she lost the election, the experience strengthened her public profile as a fearless reformist voice.
In 2023, she returned to the political stage and secured victory at the polls to represent Kogi Central in the Senate, marking another historic breakthrough for women in Nigerian politics.
Her fiery debates and grassroots mobilization quickly made her a target of entrenched interests, according to observers.
Analysts believe the NBA’s intervention may increase pressure on the Senate to allow her return.
They caution, however, that prolonging her absence could deepen political tensions in Kogi, where rival factions are already preparing for the next governorship race.
For now, the Red Chamber remains firm, but growing public outcry suggests the battle over Natasha’s seat is far from over.
and then