The Nigerian Senate has defended its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, clarifying that her suspension was due to gross misconduct rather than allegations of sexual harassment.
The legislative body made this assertion in response to claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at an international event, where she alleged that her suspension was linked to accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate’s position was presented at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) by Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, during the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Ogbara stated that she had been mandated by the National Assembly to counter Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims and set the record straight.
The Senate’s Position
Ogbara emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations needed to be investigated thoroughly and impartially, ensuring fairness to all parties involved.
“Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. At the same time, we must ensure that fairness is upheld for all individuals involved and that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided,” she stated.
She also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through legal reforms, including the Reserve Seats Bill and proposed constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing gender equity in governance.
Addressing the specific claims against Akpabio, Ogbara stated, “It is important to recognize that both the allegations made and the responses provided are serious matters that require careful and unbiased scrutiny.
This issue, which remains subjudice, involves multiple elements, including allegations of sexual harassment and potential violations of Senate rules. While it is necessary to engage in introspection and understand any potential connections, these matters must also be considered separately.”
She called for a fair and transparent process, emphasizing the need for accountability while upholding institutional integrity.
Senate Leader Reads Official Position
In a further defense of the Senate’s actions, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele read a position paper detailing the circumstances that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not as a result of any allegation of sexual harassment or assault,” the statement read.
The Senate refuted what it described as “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” circulated by certain media outlets regarding the suspension. According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan violated Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of Senate rules, which led to disciplinary measures against her.
“If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed the guiding principles of the Senate, her petition would have been treated on merit, in line with established practices. However, she did not adhere to institutional procedures,” Bamidele said.
The Senate further outlined specific actions that led to her suspension, including:
- Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite repeated pleas from the Senate leadership and ranking members.
- Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior during plenary sessions.
- Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the Senate leadership.
- Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which was mandated to investigate allegations of misconduct.
The Senate maintained that her suspension was necessary to restore order and uphold the integrity of the legislative process, asserting that no lawmaker, regardless of gender or political affiliation, is above Senate rules.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Takes Case to the United Nations
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, escalated the controversy by presenting her case at a United Nations forum, seeking international intervention. She argued that her suspension was a form of political retaliation after she spoke out against sexual harassment in Nigeria’s legislative body.
Her address at the UN event gained traction, drawing reactions from women’s rights groups and governance watchdogs. Some international organizations have called for a closer look into Nigeria’s parliamentary processes to ensure that women lawmakers are not unfairly targeted.
Political and Public Reactions
The suspension has sparked widespread debate, with opposition figures and advocacy groups weighing in. Some view the Senate’s decision as an attempt to silence dissenting voices, particularly women in leadership.
Others argue that legislative discipline is necessary to maintain order and uphold the institution’s credibility.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has largely remained silent on the matter, while the opposition has accused the Senate of using procedural rules as a tool for political suppression.
Meanwhile, the media has been urged to “correct the misrepresentations” surrounding the case, as the Senate warned against spreading “falsehoods that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.”
With the controversy still unfolding, political analysts predict further developments as investigations continue.
If Akpoti-Uduaghan proceeds with legal action or garners further international support, the Nigerian government and Senate may face increased scrutiny over legislative transparency and women’s representation in politics.
For now, the suspension remains in place, but the battle over its justification is far from over.
