Amnesty International has described the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduaghan from the Senate in March 2025 as unconstitutional and a breach of democratic principles.
The organisation’s Kogi State Director, Comrade Sunday Jato, stated this during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Lokoja on Friday, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
Jato criticised what he called the “brigade approach” to suspending lawmakers, saying it violated due process and weakened democratic governance.
“Amnesty International has a duty to put democracy under review, criticism, and scrutiny. Politics is not a monopolistic business that must be pocketed by a few individuals,” he said.
“When politics is not properly played in accordance with rules and regulations, it has social and economic consequences, breeding insecurity, fraud, and corruption.”
He condemned recurring crises within the National Assembly, stressing that arbitrary suspensions of senators erode confidence in the legislature.
“We therefore call for a rejigging of the rules of engagement in the National Assembly to strengthen democracy and foster peace and unity. Nigerians are not interested in political rivalry; we expect a Senate that can deliver on its legislative assignment,” he added.
Jato urged the executive arm of government to uphold democratic values, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure inclusive leadership.
He particularly called for greater involvement of women in politics, noting that nations that sideline women in governance “hardly progress.”
