Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has taken her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the international stage, presenting her case at a United Nations forum.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following a heated confrontation with Akpabio over a new Senate seating arrangement, which she argued was intended to undermine her position.
The situation escalated when she accused Akpabio on national television of retaliating against her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
Speaking at the Women in Parliament session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for global intervention to ensure accountability within the Nigerian Senate.
She claimed she was facing political victimization and intimidation for demanding a transparent investigation into her allegations against Akpabio.
“My appeal to the international community is to not remain silent as democracy and women’s rights are being eroded in Nigeria. I urge human rights organizations, women’s movements, and democratic institutions to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable. We need global partners to advocate for women’s political inclusion, safety, and protection from political harassment,” she stated.
Insisting that her suspension was unlawful, she vowed to continue her fight for justice upon her return to the Senate, refusing to apologize for her stance.
“This is blatant political victimization for speaking against corruption and gender-based violence. The United Nations Declaration recognizes sexual harassment as gender violence, and the Senate’s action is an attack on democracy. I was elected to represent my constituents, yet powerful men have silenced them by suspending me for six months,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that she would not succumb to political pressure and pledged to challenge the suspension through legal and civil society channels.
“I will not be intimidated. Many male colleagues have advised me to apologize, but I refuse to apologize for telling the truth. I will serve the six-month suspension, and upon my return, I will reintroduce my petition on sexual harassment. I will persist until a fair and transparent investigation is conducted,” she declared.
She also pledged to collaborate with women’s groups, civil society organizations, and legal teams to overturn the suspension, emphasizing that this fight extends beyond her personal battle.
“No woman in public office should ever be silenced again,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Labour Party (LP) supporters staged a protest in Abuja on Tuesday, condemning Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Led by LP National Youth Leader Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, the demonstrators also submitted a petition calling for sanctions against LP lawmakers and Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, for his role in the matter.
Imasuen’s committee had recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension after dismissing her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio due to procedural breaches.
Addressing journalists, Ahanotu criticized the opposition lawmakers for failing to support Akpoti-Uduaghan and urged the Senate leadership to reconsider the decision.
“We, the Nigerian youths, strongly condemn the actions of the Ethics and Privileges Committee led by Neda Imasuen. The hasty decision to suspend Natasha and Imasuen’s role in it are deeply concerning,” Ahanotu stated.
The protesters demanded that the Senate immediately reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan and reconstitute an impartial investigative committee, excluding Imasuen. They also called on Edo South constituents to initiate a recall process against Imasuen over his handling of the matter.
Ahanotu expressed disappointment that Imasuen allegedly acted against his party member, emphasizing that LP does not tolerate betrayal.
He further urged President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of political victimization against women, referencing similar challenges his wife faced as a Senator in the 9th Assembly.
“Nigerian youths demand that Senate President Godswill Akpabio submit himself to an impartial investigation. One person cannot serve as both judge and accused in the same case,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Revival Project criticized a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, which demanded Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement.
The group dismissed the ultimatum as harmful to national peace and stability, urging northern groups and civil society organizations to remain neutral and law-abiding.
Earlier, the Arewa Youth Assembly had accused Akpabio of waging a political war against the North and threatened mass protests, including occupying the National Assembly and shutting down northern states if Akpoti-Uduaghan was not reinstated.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, Arewa Revival Project Coordinator Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim condemned the ultimatum, urging a more measured approach.
“The language used by Ambassador Abdul Danbature, Speaker of AYAGL, advocating mass protests and the occupation of the National Assembly, is deeply troubling. It disregards due process and escalates unnecessary tensions,” Ibrahim said.
He encouraged addressing the issue through legal and procedural channels rather than emotional or partisan responses.
“While concerns over fairness and justice are valid, they should be pursued through constructive dialogue and legal frameworks,” he added.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also weighed in on the matter, urging the Senate to restore civility and focus on governance.
NANS Financial Secretary Jeremiah Friday, during a solidarity march with the 10th National Assembly, stressed the need for order.
“The Senate, once a chamber of reasoned debate and policy formulation, has become an arena of personal vendettas and political brinkmanship,” he stated.
He criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s approach, arguing that her handling of the situation reflected personal ambition rather than institutional integrity.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan distanced himself from speculation that he supported Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio.
In a statement issued by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, Lawan clarified that his involvement was purely procedural and not an endorsement of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s position.
