‘Dangerous precedent’ — FixPolitics demands reversal of Natasha Akpoti’s suspension

#FixPolitics, a civil society organisation (CSO), has condemned the six-month suspension imposed on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, by the senate.

The senator was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement on Wednesday, #FixPolitics said the suspension not only disenfranchises the people of Kogi central, who elected Akpoti-Uduaghan to represent them but also undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.

The group said the senate’s action was contrary to judicial precedents, including Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirmed that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation.

“Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks,” the statement reads.

“Furthermore, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension highlights the systemic barriers and entrenched misogyny that Nigerian women face in politics and society at large.

“Female representation in the senate has plummeted by nearly 50%—from seven women in the 9th assembly to just four in the 10th assembly.

“This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.”

The CSO said public officials must recognise that Nigeria does not exist in isolation, noting that the conduct of public officials is being scrutinised globally.

It added that such decisions do not only affect domestic politics but also shape Nigeria’s international reputation.

“The senate, as Nigeria’s highest lawmaking body, must uphold the rule of law rather than continuously flout court rulings that protect the rights of elected representatives and their constituents,” the CSO cautioned.

“We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and commend her courage in speaking out on this matter. The senate’s response sets a troubling precedent that may discourage other victims from speaking out for fear of retaliation or dismissal.

“#FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”