Nigerian senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has escalated her fight for justice to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, challenging her controversial suspension from the Senate. The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, claims she was unfairly suspended after raising allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During an IPU meeting at the UN headquarters on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan criticized the Senate’s decision, asserting that her petition against Akpabio was dismissed without due process.
“I thought by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself, and both of us would submit to the committee on ethics, privilege, and petition for a transparent and fair investigation. But unfortunately, I was silenced and suspended,” she stated.
She argued that her suspension reflects a broader challenge for women in Nigerian politics. “This isn’t just about me; it highlights the systemic barriers women face in governance,” she noted.
Her six-month suspension was based on a recommendation from the Senate’s Public Petition and Ethics Committee, but she maintains it was illegally imposed and represents a grave injustice.
At the IPU meeting, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the gender-based discrimination within Nigerian politics, framing her suspension as political persecution.
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“This is political victimization—punishment for speaking out against impunity, injustice, and gender-based violence,” she declared. “The Senate’s actions undermine democracy. Instead of accountability, my demand for an investigation into sexual harassment allegations has been met with hostility.”
Her suspension has drawn widespread criticism, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough, impartial inquiry to ensure justice and fairness in the legislative process.
