The Nigerian Senate has formally responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York. The controversy stems from her six-month suspension, which she claims was a result of accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
On March 11, 2025, Senator Natasha took her grievances to the international stage, calling on the UN parliament to intervene after being suspended by the Nigerian Senate. She alleged that her suspension was a direct consequence of her accusations against Akpabio. However, the Senate has strongly refuted these claims.
In a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara—Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development—the Senate dismissed Natasha’s assertions as misleading.
According to the letter:
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior and not as a result of allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organizations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan. Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Despite the Senate’s firm stance, Honorable Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Akpabio. She emphasized the importance of due process and assured that proper Senate procedures were followed before Natasha’s suspension.
The suspension of Senator Natasha has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many questioning the motives behind the decision. Prior to her suspension, she had submitted a formal petition against Akpabio, accusing him of misconduct. However, the Senate dismissed her petition before proceeding with her suspension, even after she resubmitted the complaint.
Senator Natasha has remained resolute in her fight against what she calls “injustice.” She has vowed to continue advocating for transparency and accountability in the Senate. Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has denied all allegations, maintaining that he has never engaged in any form of harassment against women.
The tension between Senator Natasha and Senate President Akpabio reportedly began on February 20, 2025, when her seat was unexpectedly changed during a plenary session. This seemingly minor incident escalated into a heated confrontation, ultimately leading to her petition, its dismissal, and her eventual suspension.
With national and international attention now focused on the case, many are calling for an impartial investigation into the allegations. Whether the Senate will reconsider its decision or if external pressure will influence future proceedings remains to be seen.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear—Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not backing down, and the fight for justice and due process continues in Nigeria’s legislative chambers.
