Pro-Natasha protest rocks National Assembly as supporters demand her unhindered return to senate

Scores of protesters gathered at the gates of the National Assembly on Tuesday in a show of unwavering support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding her immediate and unhindered return to her legislative duties.

The protest, which drew civil society actors, youth groups, and women’s organizations from across Nigeria, was marked by chants of solidarity and calls for justice as the demonstrators marched peacefully through the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

Notably present at the protest was renowned human rights activist Aisha Yesufu, who addressed the crowd, decrying what she described as “deliberate attempts to frustrate a democratically elected voice.”

“Senator Natasha is not just a symbol of women’s participation in governance — she is the choice of her people. Any attempt to delay or deny her rightful place in the Senate is an assault on democracy,” Yesufu said.

The protest follows growing concerns over reported delays and political maneuvering aimed at obstructing Senator Natasha’s return, despite the court verdict that affirmed her electoral victory in Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Waving banners with messages such as “Democracy Must Stand”, “Respect the Court’s Verdict”, and “Natasha is Our Mandate”, the protesters demanded that the Senate leadership comply with the legal judgment and fully reinstate the senator without further delay.

Organized under the banner of #StandWithNatasha, the demonstration was peaceful but emotionally charged, with several speakers taking turns to highlight her contributions to legislative debates and the empowerment of youth and women in Kogi State and beyond.

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“We will not sit back and watch while political interests attempt to silence strong voices for justice and accountability,” said Maryam Musa, a member of a civil society group present at the rally.

Security operatives maintained a calm but visible presence throughout the protest to ensure order, while representatives of the protesters submitted a petition to the National Assembly leadership demanding immediate action.

There has been no official statement yet from the Senate President’s office, but sources within the Assembly hinted that internal consultations are ongoing regarding the matter.

Senator Natasha, known for her grassroots popularity and progressive stance, reclaimed her mandate through a tribunal judgment in late 2024, but her return to the Senate has since been dogged by delays and political wrangling.

As the protesters dispersed peacefully, Aisha Yesufu issued a final charge:

“We are watching. Nigeria is watching. And we will not stop until justice is served and Senator Natasha returns to the Senate — where she belongs.”