Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has turned to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), seeking international intervention after her suspension from the Nigerian Senate. Speaking at an IPU assembly held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns not only about her own case but also about the broader issue of gender discrimination in Nigerian politics. She also made serious allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The Nigerian Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months starting from March 6, following a report presented by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee, led by its Chairman Neda Imasuen, cited her violation of Senate rules as the reason for her suspension. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that her suspension is politically motivated and directly linked to her sexual harassment petition against the Senate President.
Addressing the IPU assembly, an emotional Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her concern that her ordeal was not just about her but about the systemic challenges facing Nigerian women in politics. “I came with a heavy heart from Nigeria, but I want to apologise to Hon. Kafilat Ogbara. I am not here to bring shame to our country, but to seek help for the women of Nigeria,” she said.
The IPU, a global organization promoting peace, democracy, and sustainable development, is now at the center of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal. She is urging international bodies to press for accountability in her case and challenge what she views as a politically motivated suspension.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that her suspension was retaliation for her sexual harassment complaint against Senate President Akpabio. She described the suspension as a direct response to the petition she submitted, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.
“The Senate’s action is retaliation. Just five days before my suspension, I submitted a petition against the Senate President for sexual harassment,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated at the IPU assembly. However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has denied that her suspension was related to the sexual harassment claims, stating that she was suspended for breaking Senate standing rules and not adhering to seating arrangements during a plenary session in February.
Despite the Senate’s explanation, many Nigerians believe the suspension was a retaliatory move aimed at silencing the outspoken senator. The timing of the suspension, which occurred shortly after her petition was referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee, only fueled suspicions.
Harsh Conditions of Suspension
Akpoti-Uduaghan also highlighted the stringent conditions attached to her suspension, which she claimed included restrictions on her rights as a senator. She revealed that her suspension included the withdrawal of her security detail, the removal of official vehicles, and the cessation of her salary. Additionally, she is prohibited from engaging in any national or international legislative functions.
“I am here illegally. I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you. My suspension has stripped me of everything, including the right to represent my constituents,” she explained.
Systemic Exclusion of Women in Politics
Beyond her personal experience, Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke out about the broader issue of gender inequality in Nigerian politics. She lamented the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership and the lack of meaningful representation.
“This is a bigger picture. It’s about the crisis of women’s political representation. Women make up just 3.6 percent of political offices in Nigeria. In the Senate, it’s even worse—only 2.8 percent. Out of 109 senators, just four are women. Now, it’s down to three,” she said, referring to the current gender disparity in the Senate following her suspension.
She argued that her suspension exemplifies the deep-rooted gender discrimination that prevents women from advancing in political leadership roles in Nigeria.
Assault on Democracy and Call for Accountability
Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the Senate’s actions, describing her suspension as an assault on democracy and an act of political victimization. She stressed that her suspension is a form of punishment for speaking out against corruption, impunity, and gender-based violence.
“This is a clear case of political victimization, punishment for speaking out against impunity and corruption. Sexual harassment is a form of gender-based violence, as defined by the United Nations Declaration 48-104. The Senate’s actions are an assault on democracy,” she said.
She also pointed out the implications of her treatment for ordinary Nigerian women, warning that if a female senator can be treated so unjustly, it would likely signal worse oppression for women in workplaces, schools, and everyday society.
International Pressure and Diplomatic Engagement
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal to the IPU raises the possibility of international pressure on the Nigerian Senate to review its decision. The IPU, along with other global bodies, may take up her case, potentially leading to diplomatic engagement on the suspension and the allegations against Senate President Akpabio.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan continues her fight, her case is likely to draw attention to the broader issues of gender inequality and political persecution in Nigeria, with the potential for international intervention in the future.
