Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has alleged that her suspension from the Nigerian Senate is a deliberate move to silence her.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC today, the embattled senator insisted that she was being unfairly targeted for speaking out against the leadership of the Senate.
Allegations of Victimization Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6, 2025, for what the Senate described as “gross misconduct,” dismissed the allegations, insisting that the disciplinary action was a form of victimization.
“I am being victimized. My suspension is a way to silence me,” she stated, suggesting that her stance on various issues within the legislative chamber might have influenced the decision to suspend her.
She further accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her, alleging that his advances contributed to the friction between them.
Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed an alleged inappropriate encounter with Akpabio at his residence. According to her, Akpabio made suggestive remarks and physical gestures that she interpreted as sexual advances.
“We were at his country home. He was taking me around his house. My husband was walking behind us. He held my hand, then squeezed it in a very suggestive way. We, women, know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way,” she recounted.
She also recalled an incident within the Senate chambers where Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate remarks about her marital status.
“There was a time when I rushed to work and forgot to wear my ring. There were about five senators there. He said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?’ You know, statements like this,” she alleged.
Denial by Senate Leadership Responding to the accusations, the Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, insisting that Akpabio never engaged in any inappropriate behavior.
“Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true. There is no record of any such advances or any attempt to victimize her,” Nwaebonyi stated.
He further emphasized that her suspension was in line with Senate regulations and had nothing to do with personal grievances or her allegations against Akpabio.
Escalation to the United Nations Determined to fight back against her suspension and the alleged misconduct within the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan took her grievances to an international level. She presented her case at a United Nations forum, calling for global intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable for its actions.
Her move has sparked significant public discourse, with various women’s rights organizations and civil society groups weighing in on the matter. Some advocacy groups have expressed concerns about how women in Nigerian politics are treated and have called for an independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has drawn mixed reactions from the public.
While some have condemned the Senate’s decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for silencing dissenting voices, others believe the suspension was warranted due to her alleged misconduct.
Political analysts suggest that the situation could deepen internal divisions within the Senate and the ruling party, particularly if the allegations against Akpabio gain further traction.
For Akpoti-Uduaghan, the fight is far from over. Despite the setback of her suspension, she has vowed to continue speaking out against what she describes as oppression and intimidation in Nigerian politics.
“I will not be silenced. This is not just about me but about every Nigerian who has been a victim of systemic oppression,” she declared.
As the controversy unfolds, the Nigerian public and international observers will be watching closely to see how the Senate leadership responds to the allegations and whether any investigations will be launched into the claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
