The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned an alleged plot to arrest Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a direct attack on democracy.
The group stated in a statement released on March 16 signed by National Secretary, High Chief Peter Ameh that “any attempt to arrest her would serve as undeniable evidence that Nigeria’s democratic ideals are under severe threat.”
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According to CUPP, the planned arrest is “a targeted effort to silence her voice,” warning that such actions undermine the fundamental principles of democracy. “Freedom of expression and movement—cornerstones of any functioning democracy—suffer a crushing blow when opposition voices are stifled,” the coalition declared.
CUPP also criticised the Nigerian Senate’s handling of the matter, arguing that “the Senate, ab initio, has made a grave error in judgment by refusing to grant her a fair hearing.”
The coalition warned that suppressing a legislator’s right to be heard could erode the institution’s credibility and set a dangerous precedent,” it stated.
Furthermore, CUPP cautioned that such an arrest would deal a severe blow to Nigeria’s democratic process. “Nigeria’s democracy, though resilient, is not invincible. The arrest of a duly elected senator—chosen by the votes of the people—would strike at the heart of the democratic process,” the group emphasised.
Calling on Nigerians to resist any move to suppress opposition voices, CUPP urged citizens to reflect on the kind of nation they want to build. “What kind of nation do we aspire to be? One where elected officials live in fear of reprisal for speaking their minds, or one where the principles of justice, fairness, and freedom prevail?”
The coalition concluded with a strong warning: “If her arrest comes to pass, it will not just be an attack on one senator—it will be an assault on the very soul of the nation.”
The group further called on the Senate to “reverse its misstep and grant her a fair hearing” and urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to democracy. “The stakes are high, and the time to act is now—before the echoes of dictatorship drown out the voices of the people”, the statement reads.