The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has committed to inviting Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to address the allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking at an IPU session at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her.
She also condemned what she referred to as her “unlawful suspension” from the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following a heated dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
She was penalized for alleged misconduct and violating Senate rules, resulting in a six-month suspension.
During the IPU meeting, the senator made a passionate appeal for justice and called for intervention from international democratic institutions.
Read Also: Senator Natasha Reports Her Suspension, Case Against Akpabio To UN Inter-Parliamentary Union
“I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria,” she said. “But first, I will 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.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that her suspension was a consequence of her decision to submit a petition against Akpabio.
“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,” she stated.
“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, among many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her frustration, stating that her salary was withheld, and she was prohibited from appearing anywhere near the National Assembly, both within the country and abroad.
“My suspension is not just about me; it is about the exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria. This is a clear case of political victimisation, punishment for speaking out against impunity, corruption, and gender-based violence,” she added.
In response to her concerns, Tulia Ackson, president of the IPU, acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s issues and assured her that due process would be upheld.
“We have heard her concerns, and having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand more about what she has said. But because we listened only to her side, as an institution, as IPU, we will be taking the concerns that have been raised, not only taking her side but also giving a chance to listen to the other side, as is custom for IPU.
“And after having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary,” Ackson stated.
Ackson also acknowledged that a Nigerian delegate, Kafilat Ogbara, had expressed a desire to speak at the event but was unable to due to time limitations.
“As we usually do when such concerns are raised in meetings like this, IPU will take up this matter,” she assured.
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