Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has escalated her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio by addressing the issue at the United Nations. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after a confrontation with Akpabio over a new Senate seating arrangement, which she claims was aimed at undermining her.
In her speech at the United Nations during the Women in Parliament session, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, stating that her rejection of his alleged advances led to political victimisation. She called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable, saying, “The world must not stay silent as democracy and women’s rights are rolled back in Nigeria.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also stated that her suspension was illegal and vowed to continue fighting for a transparent investigation into her allegations. She rejected calls for an apology, emphasizing that her suspension was a tactic to silence her and her constituents.
Meanwhile, Labour Party supporters protested in Abuja, condemning the suspension. Led by Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, they demanded the Nigerian Senate rescind the suspension and conduct a fair investigation into the matter. Ahanotu also called for the removal of Senator Neda Imasuen, who was involved in the decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The senator pledged to collaborate with women’s groups and legal teams to overturn the suspension and protect women in public office from political harassment.
