The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly denounced the reported plan to detain embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement released in Abuja on Monday, Peter Ameh, the coalition’s national secretary, cautioned that such an action would undermine fundamental democratic values, particularly freedom of speech and movement.
Ameh emphasized that if the alleged move to arrest the senator materializes, it would cast serious doubts on Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, further eroding public confidence in the nation’s institutions.
A Call to Resist Political Intimidation
The coalition urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to unlawfully detain the senator, stressing that such actions could set a worrisome precedent for the suppression of opposition voices.
“The allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding a plot to arrest her are deeply concerning,” the statement read. “If true, this development represents a direct assault on democratic principles and an attempt to silence dissenting voices in the country.”
The CUPP warned that targeting an elected official for speaking out is reminiscent of authoritarian rule rather than a government accountable to the people. It argued that democracy thrives on open discourse, political opposition, and the protection of civil liberties, which must not be compromised under any guise.
Senate’s Role in the Controversy
The coalition also criticized the Nigerian Senate, arguing that it had failed in its duty to uphold justice by not granting Akpoti-Uduaghan a fair hearing before her suspension.
“This entire situation has exposed serious flaws in the conduct of the Senate,” the statement continued. “Instead of fostering transparency and fairness, the upper chamber appears to have acted in a manner that undermines democratic due process. The failure to allow her a fair defense before taking punitive action is a troubling sign of institutional bias.”
Upholding Democratic Ideals
CUPP reiterated that freedom of expression and movement are non-negotiable rights in any functional democracy and that no political figure should be persecuted for voicing their concerns.
“As a nation, we cannot afford to regress into an era where political intimidation and suppression become the norm,” Ameh stated. “The right of elected officials and citizens to express their views without fear of retribution must be safeguarded at all costs.”
The coalition called on democratic institutions, civil society organizations, and concerned Nigerians to take a firm stand against any actions that could weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework.
