Natasha takes suspension case against Akpabio to Inter-Parliamentary Union

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has taken her suspension from the Nigerian Senate and allegations of harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Describing her suspension as “illegal,” the senator is seeking international intervention, arguing that she is a victim of political intimidation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also emphasized that her ordeal highlights the broader challenges women face in Nigerian politics, where gender biases and suppression continue to hinder female representation and participation.

Speaking emotionally before the global parliamentary body, she stated that she was suspended after speaking out about alleged sexual harassment by Akpabio.

Last week, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, barring her from office and cutting off her allowances and security.

On Wednesday, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed her petition, saying it did not follow proper procedures.

Her suspension was, however, linked to an earlier dispute over changes to her Senate seating arrangement.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-member chamber, first made the allegation in a television interview on February 28, claiming that Akpabio made unwanted sexual advances toward her in 2023.