The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has acknowledged concerns regarding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, assuring that the global parliamentary body will consider all perspectives on the matter.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, took her case to the IPU meeting at the United Nations in New York, where she addressed the Women in Parliament session. She alleged that her suspension was a direct result of her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Speaking at the session, she stated, “On March 6, 2025, I was suspended from my role as a senator under questionable circumstances after submitting a petition against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for sexual harassment.”
She expressed that she had anticipated Akpabio stepping aside to allow a fair and transparent investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
“Instead, I was silenced and suspended for six months under severe conditions. My security was withdrawn, my official vehicles and other entitlements were taken away, my salary was cut off, and I was barred from appearing at the National Assembly or identifying as a senator both locally and internationally.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as a reflection of the broader issue of gender discrimination in Nigerian politics.
“This is not just about me—it is about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership. My suspension is a form of political victimization and a punishment for speaking against impunity, corruption, and gender-based violence.”
She also expressed fears about her safety, stating concerns about being detained in New York for raising the issue at the international level.
However, the Nigerian Senate has denied that her suspension was linked to the sexual harassment allegations.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele issued a statement clarifying that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended due to what was described as “unparliamentary behavior” and violations of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
According to the Senate, her suspension resulted from a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. The chamber cited misconduct, including her refusal to adhere to the Senate’s sitting arrangement, as the basis for the disciplinary action.
The six-month suspension, however, may be lifted earlier if she submits a written apology to the Senate leadership.
