Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, escalated her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday by presenting her case at a United Nations forum.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after a heated confrontation with Akpabio over a new Senate seating arrangement, which she claimed was designed to undermine her.
Tensions intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan, on national television, accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
Speaking at the Women in Parliament session during the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.
She asserted that she was facing political victimisation and intimidation for demanding an open and transparent investigation into her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
“My call to the international community is that the world must not stay silent as democracy and women’s rights are rolled back in Nigeria. I call on human rights organisations, women’s movements, and democratic institutions to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable. Nigeria needs global partners to push for women’s political inclusion, safety, and protection from political harassment,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her suspension was illegal and vowed to continue her fight against what she termed injustice upon her return. She also refused to apologise, describing the situation as an attempt by powerful men to silence her.
“This is a clear case of political victimisation for speaking against corruption and gender-based violence. The United Nations Declaration defines sexual harassment as a form of gender violence. The Senate’s action is an assault on democracy. I was elected by my constituents to represent them, but powerful men have unilaterally silenced their voices by suspending me for six months,” she said.
She further stated, “I will resist political intimidation. In the past few days, several male colleagues have urged me to apologise and retract my statements, but I told them I would not apologise for my truth. I will serve the six-month suspension, and on the very first day of my return, I will re-present my petition on sexual harassment. I will continue to do so until there is a fair and transparent investigation.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan pledged to collaborate with women’s groups, civil society organisations, and legal teams to ensure that her suspension is overturned.
“This is bigger than me. No other woman in public office should ever be silenced again,” she declared.
LP supporters protest
Meanwhile, some Labour Party supporters staged a protest in Abuja on Tuesday against Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Led by LP National Youth Leader Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, the group also filed a petition demanding strict sanctions against LP legislators and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, for his role in the matter.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was handed a six-month suspension following a recommendation by Imasuen’s committee after her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio was dismissed at a Senate probe hearing.
Imasuen, the Edo South Senator, stated that the petition was “dead on arrival” due to a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Order.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ahanotu condemned the suspension, criticizing opposition lawmakers for failing to defend Akpoti-Uduaghan. He called on the Senate leadership to reconsider its decision.
“We, the Nigerian youths, strongly condemn the actions of the Ethics and Privileges Committee led by Neda Imasuen, which violated a court order. The hasty decision to suspend Natasha, along with Imasuen’s actions, has shocked many,” Ahanotu stated.
He made the following demands: “The 10th Senate should immediately rescind Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and reconstitute a morally and mentally balanced committee to conduct a proper investigation. Senator Neda Imasuen must be recused from the new committee. We also urge the people of Edo South to initiate a recall process against Senator Imasuen for his poor representation and conduct.”
Ahanotu expressed disappointment that Imasuen allegedly allowed himself to be used as a tool against Natasha. “Unlike other parties where members’ sins are forgiven once they cross over, LP will not let any erring member go unpunished,” he said.
He further urged President Bola Tinubu to speak out against the mistreatment of women in Nigerian politics, referencing similar challenges faced by his wife as a serving Senator in the 9th Assembly.
“Nigerian youths demand that Senate President Godswill Akpabio submit himself for investigation by an impartial body. A situation where one man acts as judge in his case, as Akpabio did, must be denounced,” he added.
Arewa group rejects recall
Meanwhile, the Arewa Revival Project opposed a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, which demanded Akpabio recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The group criticized the ultimatum as “counterproductive to national peace and stability” and urged northern groups and civil society organizations to remain impartial and law-abiding.
The Arewa Youth Assembly had earlier accused Akpabio of waging a political war against the North and threatened to mobilize protests, occupy the National Assembly and shut down northern states if Natasha was not reinstated within 48 hours.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, Arewa Revival Project Coordinator Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim denounced the ultimatum. “The language used by Ambassador Abdul Danbature, Speaker of AYAGL, calling for mass protests and the occupation of the National Assembly, is deeply troubling. It disregards due process and incites unnecessary tension,” he said.
He urged that Natasha’s suspension be reviewed through legal and procedural frameworks rather than emotional or partisan reactions. “While concerns over fairness and justice are valid, these matters should be addressed through constructive dialogue and legal channels,” Ibrahim added.
NANS demands civility
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) called for civility in the Senate, urging lawmakers to end the political disruptions that have marred legislative proceedings.
NANS Financial Secretary Jeremiah Friday, speaking during a solidarity march with the 10th National Assembly, emphasized the need for order. “The Senate floor, once a sanctuary for reasoned debate and policy formulation, has devolved into an arena of personal vendettas and political brinkmanship,” he stated.
He criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s approach, saying, “Her decision to exploit flak from her misunderstanding of Senate rules reflects a troubling trend: prioritizing personal ambition over institutional integrity.”
Lawan distances self
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan dismissed speculation that he supported Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio.
His media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, clarified in a statement on Tuesday that Lawan’s intervention was procedural, not a defence of Natasha.
“At no point did Senator Lawan defend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or take sides in the allegations against Senate President Akpabio. His intervention was purely a matter of principle, reflecting his commitment to due process and the rule of law,” the statement read.
“His remarks were strictly procedural and aimed at upholding the integrity of the National Assembly.”
