Africa
When Lawmakers Break the Law: The Dangerous Trend of Suspending Senators in Nigeria -By Yasir Shehu Adam
Nigeria is at a turning point. If we remain silent, our democracy will be lost. But if we speak out, we can protect the right of every Nigerian to be represented in government.
The recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) by the Nigerian Senate is not just an attack on her—it is an attack on democracy itself. This is not the first time we have seen this happen.
In 2023, Senator Abdul Ahmad Ningi (Bauchi Central) was suspended for raising concerns about budget irregularities. In 2024, Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) was suspended for challenging Senate leadership. Now, in 2025, Senator Natasha has been suspended in another move that silences lawmakers who dare to speak the truth.
If we continue to allow this, soon no senator will be able to question the leadership, whether it is the Senate President or the President of Nigeria.
Why These Suspensions Are Illegal
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees that every constituency must be represented in the National Assembly. No Senate rule or leadership decision can take away that right. This was confirmed in Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly v. Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna (2017) 49 W.R.N, where the Court of Appeal ruled that:
A senator is not an employee of the Senate, so they cannot be suspended like a worker.
No rule in the Senate can override the Constitution.
Suspending a senator means denying the people of that district their right to representation.
By suspending Senators Ningi, Ndume, and now Natasha, the Senate has ignored the law and violated the rights of millions of Nigerians.
The Dangerous Trend of Silencing Lawmakers
If we do not stop this now, the future is clear:
More senators will be suspended for speaking the truth.
Corruption will go unchallenged because lawmakers will fear punishment.
The Senate will no longer be a place for democracy, but a place where only loyalists are allowed to speak.
Today, it is Senators Ningi, Ndume, and Natasha. Tomorrow, it could be any senator who refuses to obey the leadership blindly. If no one is allowed to criticize bad policies, who will defend the people?
What Nigerians Must Do Now
This issue is not just about three senators—it is about the future of democracy in Nigeria. We must demand:
1. The immediate reinstatement of all suspended senators.
2. A commitment from the Senate to follow the Constitution and respect democratic principles.
3. Active participation from civil society, the media, and all Nigerians to resist these illegal actions.
Nigeria is at a turning point. If we remain silent, our democracy will be lost. But if we speak out, we can protect the right of every Nigerian to be represented in government.
Say NO to dictatorship in the Senate! Say YES to democracy and free speech!
Yasir Shehu Adam (Danliman) Young Journalist and writer from Bauchi
