The ongoing saga involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her subsequent suspension from the Nigerian Senate shows no signs of fading from public attention. On Tuesday, the suspended senator from Kogi escalated the matter by bringing it to an international forum.
The Senate had suspended her for breaching its rules, shortly after she lodged a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual assault and other offenses—allegations he has vehemently denied. Undeterred, Senator Natasha addressed the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Meeting at the United Nations in New York, appealing for justice and the support of global democratic bodies.
She labeled her suspension as unlawful, arguing it was a direct consequence of her petition against Akpabio. “I was illegally suspended after submitting a petition for sexual harassment against Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Nigerian Senate,” she told attendees. “I expected him to step aside, allowing us both to face a fair investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition. Instead, I was silenced and suspended.” She framed her ordeal as emblematic of a broader struggle, stating, “This isn’t just about me—it reflects the systemic barriers women face in Nigerian political leadership.”
Following her speech, Senator Natasha voiced concerns for her safety, suggesting that Nigerian authorities might attempt to detain her in New York for raising the issue internationally. Her suspension last week, which followed the Senate’s dismissal of her initial petition and a subsequent one, has sparked widespread discussion in Nigeria.
She remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, vowing to combat what she calls an unfair system. Akpabio, meanwhile, has rejected her claims, asserting that he has never assaulted women. Tensions between the two flared on February 20, 2025, when her seat was reassigned during a plenary session, marking a new chapter in their rocky history. Previously, in July 2024, Akpabio had reprimanded her for misconduct, likening the Senate to a formal institution rather than a “nightclub” and later issuing an apology for his choice of words.
As the dispute unfolds, Senator Natasha’s decision to seek global intervention underscores her determination to challenge both her suspension and the broader issues it represents.
RELATED: Akpabio: Senate Says Natasha’s Suspension Isn’t About Sexual Harassment Claim
