Activist Aisha Yesufu has vowed to accompany Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the National Assembly on Tuesday declaring her support for the embattled Kogi Central lawmaker who has insisted on resuming her legislative duties despite opposition from the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s insistence follows a July ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which declared her suspension unconstitutional and called for her reinstatement.
However, the Senate President’s legal team has appealed the judgement, arguing it interferes with legislative processes and falls outside the court’s jurisdiction.
Speaking with newsmen, Yesufu condemned the Senate’s stance, warning against continued disregard for judicial decisions.
The activist also decried what she described as systemic discrimination against women in Nigerian politics.
“We are not even one-third. Out of 109 senators, we have only four women.
“Yet you go after them, you’re going after this particular lady who has done nothing other than discharge her duty the way it should be.
“Enough of us being treated in this country as if we are second-class citizens,” she said.
Yesufu described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as unconstitutional and accused the Senate of acting with impunity.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her decision to return to the chamber on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, despite an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, 2025, over allegations of breaching its rules following a controversial altercation involving seat arrangements and her accusation of sexual misconduct against Senate President Akpabio, an allegation he has since denied.
Despite the court ruling, the Senate on Sunday reiterated its position that she should not return until the suspension expires, claiming there is no binding order mandating her immediate reinstatement.
