The ongoing conflict between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Nigerian Senate has garnered significant attention, with reactions continuing to unfold following the Kogi lawmaker’s complaint at the United Nations Interparliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York on Tuesday. The senator took her case to the global institution, alleging that she had been treated unjustly and calling for intervention.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During her address to the IPU, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her grievances regarding her suspension, which she claims was a result of political bias and injustice. After hearing her complaint, the IPU stated that it would take the necessary steps to address her concerns, pending a review of both sides of the issue.
In response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal, the Nigerian Senate issued a letter through Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, which was read aloud by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who attended the IPU event in an official capacity. The Senate’s response refuted the allegations raised by the suspended senator, stating that her suspension was a consequence of “gross misconduct and unruly behavior,” rather than any accusations of sexual harassment or assault.
The Senate’s letter clearly stated: “The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organizations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.” The letter further emphasized that the suspension was due to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s repeated disregard for Senate Standing Orders and persistent acts of misconduct.
Despite the Senate’s defense of its actions, Hon. Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Ogbara maintained that all necessary actions were taken in line with Senate rules and that the suspension followed due process.
The situation stems from a series of events that have sparked a public debate across the country. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially filed a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. However, the Senate dismissed her petition before proceeding with her suspension, which further fueled the controversy. Akpoti-Uduaghan, in turn, has vowed to continue her fight against what she perceives as an “injustice” and to hold those responsible accountable.
Senate President Akpabio has consistently denied the sexual harassment allegations, stating that he has never assaulted any woman. The dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio first came to the forefront on February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was moved during a Senate plenary session, which she perceived as a slight. This conflict was not the first altercation between the two; in July 2024, Akpabio had reprimanded Akpoti-Uduaghan for what he considered misconduct, telling her that the Senate was “not a nightclub” where people could speak recklessly. Although Akpabio later apologized for his remark, the relationship between the two lawmakers remained strained.
The saga continues to divide public opinion, with many wondering about the true motives behind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and the subsequent allegations. As both sides stand firm in their positions, it remains to be seen how the IPU and the Nigerian Senate will handle this increasingly contentious issue.
