Women group kicks against continued exclusion of Sen Natasha from NASS
A coalition of women’s groups under the umbrella of Womanifesto has described the continued exclusion of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Senate activities as a constitutional assault, democratic crisis, and gendered injustice.
The assertion was made by Womanifesto, led by the Convener Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, in a statement titled “On the Continued Exclusion of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: A Constitutional Assault, a Democratic Crisis, and a Gendered Injustice.”
“Womanifesto, a movement comprising women’s rights organizations from across Nigeria, condemned the exclusion of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate”, she stated.
The group noted that six months had passed since her suspension on March 6, 2025, which the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled as “excessive” and contrary to constitutional principles.
According to Womanifesto, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had served the term of her suspension by September 9, 2025, yet Senate leadership denied her re-entry.
The group stated, “This defiance of judicial authority is a dangerous constitutional overreach eroding democracy’s foundation. When lawmakers become lawbreakers, democracy is imperiled.”
The statement added, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s exclusion isn’t just about one woman; it’s about a constituency deprived of representation for over six months. It’s about the Senate assuming unauthorized powers, mocking judicial authority, and using law to silence dissent and protect privilege.”
Womanifesto said the exclusion constitutes an attack on women’s political participation, sending a message that women’s voices in public office can be silenced arbitrarily. The group demanded Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate and unconditional reinstatement, warning that the abuse of legislative power is unconstitutional and assaults Nigeria’s democratic foundations and women’s rights.
“This is a defining moment,” Womanifesto stated. “Either the Senate rescinds this illegality and restores Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, or it confirms itself as willing to destroy democracy for impunity.”
The group called on the citizens, civil society, media, and the international community to recognize this as a test of Nigerians’ commitment to democracy.
Womanifesto affirmed, “Democracy dies when elected voices are silenced, women are excluded, courts are mocked, and the Constitution is treated as optional.” The group concluded.
