Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has escalated her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio by taking her case to an international stage, calling for intervention at a United Nations forum.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following a heated exchange over a Senate seating arrangement, which she alleged was a move to undermine her. However, the situation took a more controversial turn when she publicly accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
Speaking at the UN:
At the Women in Parliament session during the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan denounced her suspension as political victimisation and gender-based intimidation.
🔹 “My call to the international community is that the world must not stay silent as democracy and women’s rights are rolled back in Nigeria. I call on human rights organisations, women’s movements, and democratic institutions to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable. Nigeria needs global partners to push for women’s political inclusion, safety, and protection from political harassment.” she declared.
She further maintained that she would not apologise for speaking out, promising to resubmit her petition on sexual harassment against Akpabio once her six-month suspension ends.
Labour Party Supporters Protest in Abuja
In response to her suspension, supporters of the Labour Party (LP) staged a protest in Abuja on Tuesday.
- Led by LP National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, protesters demanded strict sanctions against LP lawmakers and Senator Neda Imasuen, who chaired the committee that upheld Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
- Ahanotu condemned the decision, stating: “The 10th Senate should immediately rescind Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and reconstitute a morally and mentally balanced committee to conduct a proper investigation.”
- He further called on Edo South constituents to recall Senator Imasuen for allegedly failing to defend Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Arewa Group Rejects Recall Calls
Meanwhile, the Arewa Revival Project opposed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by another northern youth group, which demanded Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement.
🔹 The group’s coordinator, Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, warned against actions that could incite political tension, stating: “Concerns over fairness and justice should be addressed through legal channels, not through threats of mass protests.”
NANS Calls for Civility in the Senate
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also weighed in, urging lawmakers to focus on legislative duties instead of personal disputes.
🔹 NANS Financial Secretary Jeremiah Friday accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of using the situation to push a personal agenda, stating: “Her decision to exploit flak from her misunderstanding of Senate rules reflects a troubling trend: prioritizing personal ambition over institutional integrity.”
Lawan Distances Himself from Controversy
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan denied claims that he supported Akpoti-Uduaghan in her battle against Akpabio.
🔹 His media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, clarified: “Lawan’s intervention was procedural and should not be misinterpreted as support for Natasha.”
The controversy continues to unfold, with many watching how both local and international bodies respond to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s calls for accountability.