Nigerian Senate Explains Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian Senate has clarified to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not due to allegations of sexual harassment as previously suggested.

Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, spoke before the IPU on Wednesday, addressing the Senate’s suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan. She emphasized that the suspension was unrelated to any accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Ogbara noted that the National Assembly had tasked her with responding to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

In her speech, Ogbara stressed the importance of a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation of such serious allegations, while ensuring fairness for all parties involved. She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks and institutional reforms. These include ongoing efforts to address gender imbalances in Parliament through the Reserve Seats Bill and proposed constitutional amendments.

Regarding the accusations against Akpabio, Ogbara acknowledged that both the allegations and the responses were serious and required careful scrutiny. She called for a fair and unbiased investigation into the matter, ensuring that all claims and defenses are examined transparently.

Reading the Senate’s position paper, Ogbara conveyed that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to gross misconduct, specifically violating the Senate’s rules of conduct, and not for making allegations against Akpabio. The letter from the Senate, signed by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules, which led to her suspension.

The Senate explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of “unruly and disruptive behavior,” including refusing to sit in her assigned seat during a plenary session on February 25, 2025, despite multiple requests from Senate leadership. She was also accused of making “abusive and disrespectful remarks” and refusing to comply with the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges’ summons to investigate her actions.

The Senate emphasized that her suspension was a necessary measure to restore order and uphold the integrity of the institution. “No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the rules of the Senate,” the statement concluded.

The Senate also called on media organizations to correct any misrepresentations and refrain from spreading misinformation that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.

LEADERSHIP reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier presented her case at a United Nations forum, calling for international intervention regarding her suspension and her ongoing dispute with Senate President Akpabio.