The Nigerian Senate has firmly denied allegations that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended due to her sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a letter addressed to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Senate clarified that her suspension was solely for “gross misconduct and unruly behaviour.”
Senator Natasha had earlier taken her case to the IPU, seeking intervention over what she described as an injustice. The IPU assured her of addressing her complaints after hearing both sides. However, the Nigerian Senate, through its leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, responded with a letter read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, at the IPU conference in New York.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegations of sexual harassment or assault,” the letter stated. “The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations.”
The Senate emphasized that Natasha’s suspension was due to her “persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
However, Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio, maintaining that due process was followed in her suspension.
The controversy began on February 20, 2025, when Natasha’s seat was changed during a plenary session, sparking a heated exchange with Akpabio. This was not the first clash between the two; in July 2024, Akpabio had reportedly reprimanded her for misconduct, stating, “the Senate was not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow.” He later apologized for the remark.
Despite her suspension, Senator Natasha has vowed to continue her fight against injustice. Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied all allegations, asserting that he has never assaulted women.
The suspension has sparked nationwide debates, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the Senate’s handling of the matter.