Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has pledged to accompany embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the National Assembly on Tuesday, declaring unwavering support for the Kogi Central lawmaker whose suspension has stirred national controversy.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is pressing ahead with plans to resume her legislative duties, citing a Federal High Court ruling that declared her suspension unconstitutional. Justice Binta Nyako’s judgment in July voided the Senate’s March 6, 2025, decision to suspend her, describing it as a breach of her rights and a denial of her constituents’ representation.
Despite the ruling, the Senate has resisted her reinstatement. The Senate President’s legal team has since appealed the verdict, arguing that the court’s decision interferes with the legislature’s internal affairs.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Yesufu strongly criticized the Senate’s stance and reaffirmed her support for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return.
“Senator Natasha has every right to resume office,” Yesufu stated. “She won’t be going alone. We will be going with her. If the Senate decides to kill us, let them kill us.”
She condemned what she called a pattern of discrimination against women in Nigeria’s political space, highlighting that only four women currently serve in the 109-member Senate.
“Yet one of the few women who made it there is being targeted simply for doing her job. Enough of treating women like second-class citizens,” Yesufu said.
Yesufu described the suspension as unlawful and accused the Senate of acting with impunity.
“The Senate didn’t make Natasha a senator, her people did. No arm of government should deprive Nigerians of their representation.”
She also voiced concerns over the judiciary’s growing susceptibility to political pressure.
“Even when judgments are passed, implementation is now based on political body language. The judiciary is becoming a pawn in the hands of corrupt politicians.”
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her resolve to return to the Senate chamber.
“I’ve written again to the Senate, notifying them that I’m resuming on July 22, by God’s grace,” she said while addressing supporters in Ihima, Kogi State. “They may argue that the judgment isn’t an order, but it is still a decision by the court.”
The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following a dispute involving seating arrangements and her public allegation of sexual misconduct against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—an allegation he has denied. The Senate maintains she must serve the full duration of her suspension, pending the outcome of its legal challenge.
Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan insists she is returning to serve the people who elected her.
