Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reports ‘sexual harrasment’ case, suspension to inter-Parliamentary Union in New York
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has formally reported Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) over her recent suspension from the Nigerian Senate.
The senator made her case during the IPU meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her, an allegation that preceded a heated dispute over seat reallocation in the Senate chamber. The controversy led to her suspension on March 6 for six months, a move she now describes as unlawful and politically motivated.
Speaking at the IPU assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan appealed to international democratic institutions for justice and intervention.
“I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I would like to apologise to Hon. Kafilat Ogbara. I am not here to bring shame to our country, I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria,” she stated.
The senator explained that her suspension came after she submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.
“Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“I thought by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the committee of ethics, privileges, and public petitions for a fair and transparent investigation. But unfortunately, I was silenced, and I was suspended for six months under stringent conditions,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed the repercussions of her suspension, stating that she was stripped of her security, official vehicles, and other senatorial privileges. Additionally, she has been barred from appearing anywhere near the National Assembly and from presenting herself as a senator both locally and internationally.
“My salary would be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly. And for six months, I am not to present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria and internationally. I am here illegally, and I have no other place to go but to come here,” she told the assembly.
The senator emphasized that her suspension is not just a personal issue but a reflection of the larger struggle for gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“This is a clear case of political victimisation, punishment for speaking out against impunity, corruption, and gender-based violence,” she added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition to the IPU has drawn significant international attention, raising concerns over the treatment of female politicians in Nigeria and the broader implications for democratic governance and gender equality in the country. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on how the Nigerian Senate and international bodies will respond to her claims.
