By Damilola Adeleke

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has demanded an apology from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of misconduct on the international stage following her suspension from the National Assembly. The organization expressed concerns that her actions have damaged Nigeria’s reputation globally.

In a statement released on Thursday, CD criticized the senator for bypassing Nigeria’s democratic institutions and instead launching a smear campaign against the Senate. The group alleged that she distorted the facts surrounding her suspension and wrongfully linked it to her allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President.

“Rather than addressing the core issues within the country’s legal framework, she has chosen to seek foreign sympathy while portraying Nigeria in a negative light,” the statement read. CD described her approach as irresponsible and called for her to publicly apologize for bringing the nation into disrepute.

The organization also questioned why Akpoti-Uduaghan had seemingly lost faith in the Nigerian judiciary, despite already taking legal steps to challenge her suspension. It condemned her reliance on media trials and foreign advocacy, arguing that such actions undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Furthermore, CD commended the people of Kogi Central for initiating a recall process, stating that democracy thrives when elected officials remain accountable to their constituents. It stressed that lawmakers must recognize that their positions are not guaranteed but are subject to public approval.

The group concluded by urging political leaders to prioritize national interest over personal grievances, emphasizing the need for dialogue and constructive engagement to resolve internal disputes.