FixPolitics, a political think tank, has strongly opposed the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, calling it a serious threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.
The group argued that the suspension, which was imposed on the grounds of rule violations, not only silences the senator but also denies the people of Kogi Central their constitutional right to representation in the Senate.
“This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation,” FixPolitics stated in a press release issued by its Executive Director, Dr. Anthony Ubani.
Ubani criticized the Senate’s repeated disregard for these legal rulings, stating that it raises concerns about the institution’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the credibility of Nigeria’s legislative process. He further pointed out that beyond violating democratic principles, the suspension raises doubts about the Senate’s willingness to address misconduct among its members.
FixPolitics also highlighted the broader impact on women in politics, emphasizing that the suspension exposes the systemic barriers and discrimination Nigerian women face in governance.
“Female representation in the Senate has dropped by nearly 50 percent, from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly. This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could discourage more women from participating in politics and silence those who speak out against harassment,” the organization noted.
As a signatory to international agreements such as CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, Nigeria has a responsibility to promote gender inclusion in governance. FixPolitics argued that actions like this reinforce exclusion rather than progress. It also reminded public officials that they serve in trust for the people and must uphold ethical standards that foster civility, decorum, and respect for all Nigerians, regardless of gender.
“In today’s interconnected world, where events unfold in real-time through the Internet of Things (IoT), the conduct of public officials is scrutinized globally,” the statement added.
FixPolitics described the suspension as “unconstitutional,” stressing that it violates the fundamental right of Kogi Central constituents to be represented in the National Assembly.
Ubani stated, “An entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised—an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). 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 organization expressed solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, praising her for speaking out despite the risks. It warned that the Senate’s actions set a dangerous precedent that could discourage others from raising their voices due to fear of retaliation.
FixPolitics firmly condemned the suspension and called for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate reinstatement.
“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially—free from internal biases and procedural technicalities,” the statement read.
The think tank also urged civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to demand a legislative environment where all lawmakers can perform their duties without fear of harassment or unfair punishment.
“The integrity of our democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination,” FixPolitics stated.
As a research-driven, citizen-led initiative, FixPolitics reaffirmed its commitment to tackling governance challenges and strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for an inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts that promote justice, equity, and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria,” the group concluded.
