Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has escalated her ongoing dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the United Nations, seeking international intervention.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6 after a heated confrontation over Senate seating arrangements, alleges political victimization and intimidation following her rejection of Akpabio’s alleged sexual advances.
At the Women in Parliament session during the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the UN in New York, she accused the Nigerian Senate of undermining democracy and women’s rights.
“I call on human rights organizations, women’s movements, and democratic institutions to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable,” she stated. “Nigeria needs global partners to push for women’s political inclusion, safety, and protection from political harassment.”
Refusing to apologize for her allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as a direct attempt to silence her.
She vowed to continue her fight for a transparent investigation into her sexual harassment claims. “This is bigger than me. No other woman in public office should ever be silenced again,” she declared.
Meanwhile, some Labour Party supporters protested in Abuja, demanding the reinstatement of Akpoti-Uduaghan and calling for accountability for the Senate’s actions.
The protest was led by Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, the LP National Youth Leader, who criticized the suspension and called for the reconstitution of the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension follows the dismissal of her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio at a Senate hearing.
The case has sparked widespread political debate, with various groups calling for different actions, including a review of the decision by the Senate.