The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the senate of violating democratic principles by delaying Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, from returning to her seat after serving a six-month suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had, in a letter dated August 28, 2025, notified the clerk to the national assembly of her intention to resume on September 4, the date she said marked the end of her six-month suspension.

But on Tuesday, the national assembly had prevented Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming legislative duties, insisting that her suspension is still a subject of litigation.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s national publicity secretary, said the refusal of the senate leadership to allow the Kogi lawmaker resume her duties is “abusive and morally indefensible”.

He noted that the suspension, which was not imposed by a court of law, has lapsed, and extending it indefinitely is “a violation of the constitution and the mandate of the people”.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) observes with deep concern the continued obstruction of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her seat in the Nigerian Senate after the completion of her six-month suspension,” Abdullahi said.