Senator’s Allegations and Subsequent Suspension

On March 6, 2025, the Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months. The suspension followed her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She claimed that after submitting a petition detailing the harassment, instead of initiating an investigation, the Senate leadership silenced her and imposed the suspension. The punitive measures included withdrawal of her security detail, confiscation of official vehicles, cessation of her salary, and a prohibition from accessing the National Assembly premises or representing herself as a senator both domestically and internationally during the suspension period. ​

Senate’s Justification for the Suspension

Contrarily, Senate leaders asserted that the suspension resulted from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s misconduct during a plenary session on February 20, 2025. They accused her of refusing to sit in her assigned seat, speaking without recognition, and making abusive remarks towards the Senate leadership. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that the disciplinary action was unrelated to her sexual harassment allegations but was due to her violation of the Senate’s standing rules and unparliamentary behavior. ​

Appeal to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Seeking redress, Akpoti-Uduaghan presented her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) during a meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York. She expressed that her suspension was an attempt to silence her and highlighted the broader issue of systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria. She noted that women constitute only 2.8% of the Nigerian Senate, with merely four female senators out of 109 members. ​

IPU’s Response and Commitment

IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s concerns and assured a thorough investigation. She emphasized the organization’s commitment to impartiality, stating that the IPU would listen to both sides before taking any necessary steps. Ackson also recognized that another Nigerian delegate, Kafilat Ogbara, had requested to speak but was unable to due to time constraints, underscoring the importance of hearing all perspectives. ​

Broader Implications for Women’s Representation

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ordeal sheds light on the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics. Despite being one of the few female senators, her suspension highlights the systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in governance. Her appeal to the IPU underscores the need for international support to address gender-based discrimination and ensure that women’s voices are not silenced in political arenas. ​

Next Steps and International Attention

The IPU’s commitment to investigating the matter brings international attention to the internal dynamics of the Nigerian Senate. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for parliamentary procedures, gender equality in politics, and the protection of lawmakers’ rights globally. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders within and outside Nigeria will be keenly observing the developments to gauge the commitment to justice, fairness, and the promotion of inclusive governance.