Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to the United Nations, alleging political victimisation and gender-based harassment following her six-month suspension by the Senate. Speaking at the Women in Parliament session during the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in New York, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged advances and demanding an open investigation into her claims. She called on international bodies and Human Rights organisations to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable for suppressing women’s voices in politics.
Moreover, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her suspension was an attack on democracy, arguing that she was elected to represent her constituents and should not be silenced unilaterally. She maintained that she would not apologise and vowed to reintroduce her petition on Sexual Harassment immediately upon her return to the Senate. She also pledged to work with Civil Society organisations and legal teams to challenge the suspension and prevent similar incidents from happening to other women in public office.
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LP supporters Protest in support of Natasha.
In response, supporters of the Labour Party staged a protest in Abuja, condemning the suspension and criticising opposition lawmakers for failing to defend Akpoti-Uduaghan. Led by the party’s National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, they called for the immediate reversal of the decision and demanded that Senator Neda Imasuen, who chaired the committee that recommended her suspension, be removed from any future investigations. The group also urged President Bola Tinubu to address the broader issue of women’s political harassment in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, reactions to the controversy have been divided, with the Arewa Revival Project rejecting calls for mass protests in support of Akpoti-Uduaghan. The group criticised an earlier ultimatum issued by the Arewa Youth Assembly, which threatened nationwide demonstrations if the suspension was not lifted. It called for a legal and procedural review of the matter rather than politically charged reactions. The National Association of Nigerian Students also weighed in, urging lawmakers to prioritise institutional integrity over personal disputes.
Women in politics face backlash for speaking up.
Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension raises concerns about gender representation and the barriers women face in Nigerian politics. Despite constitutional support for women’s participation, female politicians often encounter intimidation, institutional bias, and resistance when they challenge authority. Her case highlights the challenges of confronting power structures and the urgent need for stronger legal protections. Without reforms, such incidents may discourage women from seeking public office, worsening gender disparities in leadership and limiting diverse political representation.
The Senate Ethics Committee’s handling of her harassment claims has also drawn criticism over fairness and transparency, with many questioning the motives behind its decision. Many argue that dismissing her allegations without an independent review suggests political bias and a lack of due process. The swift suspension decision and absence of a neutral review process expose gaps in legislative accountability. Without stronger oversight and impartial investigations, public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions may continue to decline, further weakening confidence in governance.
Related Article: Dismissal of Akpoti’s sexual harassment suit
As the dispute unfolds, the outcome of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s challenge could have significant implications for women’s political participation in Nigeria. If her case leads to reforms, it could encourage more women to speak out against intimidation in politics. However, if no action is taken, it may serve as a cautionary tale, reinforcing fears of systemic resistance to accountability. The response from both domestic and international stakeholders will determine whether this moment sparks lasting change or fades into political history.