The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly condemned the Senate President’s actions against Senator Natasha Akpoti, describing them as an abuse of power and a violation of democratic principles.

In a statement, the party criticized the Senate President for allegedly intimidating the female senator and ordering her forcible removal from the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms. The SDP described this action as a betrayal of the trust placed in a presiding officer to ensure fairness, dignity, and equality within the legislative process.

"The role of the Senate President is to uphold order, facilitate debate, and protect the rights of all members—not to use authority as a tool to silence dissent, particularly when it targets women in a democratic institution," the statement read.

The party argued that forcibly ejecting a senator undermines the integrity of the Senate, which is meant to be a forum for dialogue and debate, not coercion. It warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent that erodes public trust and weakens the democratic process.

The SDP also reminded the Senate President that he had once protested against a similar act during Senator Bukola Saraki’s tenure. "This should serve as a reminder that power is transient," the party stated, demanding a public apology from the Senate President and an independent review of his conduct.

Furthermore, the SDP called on the Senate to reaffirm its commitment to gender equality, adopt safeguards against intimidation, and prevent the misuse of the sergeant-at-arms as a tool of suppression.

The party expressed solidarity with Senator Akpoti, emphasizing that freedom of expression is a fundamental right that must be protected. It urged Nigerians to stand against any attempt to silence elected representatives, stating that democracy thrives on open and free discourse.