The Nigerian Senate has dismissed claims that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Instead, the Senate insists the suspension was due to gross misconduct.
At a session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York on Wednesday, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension followed violations of Senate rules—not her remarks at a United Nations event.
Responding to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s speech at the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women, Ogbara emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to women’s rights and tackling gender-based violence, but fairness and due process must be upheld.
“The suspension was not related to sexual harassment allegations,” she stressed. “It was based on consistent misconduct, disregard for Senate rules, and disruptive behavior.”
Ogbara presented a formal letter from the Senate, authored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, which detailed the reasons behind the suspension. According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan violated Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders and was suspended by the Senate Committee of the Whole following a report from the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Key accusations include:
Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025
Disrespecting Senate leadership with abusive remarks
Ignoring summons from the Ethics Committee investigating her conduct
The Senate maintained that no member, regardless of gender or political affiliation, is above the rules. It urged media outlets to stop spreading misinformation and to uphold the integrity of legislative processes.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her grievance to the international stage, calling for global attention and accountability over her suspension.
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