Akpoti-Uduaghan erred taking domestic affair to IPU, says ex-NAPCAC chairman

Ike Chidolue, former chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPCAC USA), has criticised Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for “tarnishing Nigeria’s image” at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, had recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.

The allegation came in the wake of her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio at the red chamber.

She was subsequently suspended from the senate for “gross misconduct” over the debacle.

Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke at the IPU meeting on March 11 about the suspension, telling the gathering that the action was designed to silence her over the sexual harassment allegations

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Chidolue said Akpoti-Uduaghan prioritised a personal dispute over national interest, adding that her action is a “breach of parliamentary ethics” and a “reckless gamble” with Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to publicly indict the leadership of Nigeria’s parliament at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)—without any official delegation or endorsement—transcends mere political grievance,” the statement reads.

“It represents a serious breach of parliamentary ethics, an affront to national sovereignty, and a reckless gamble with Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility. Stripped of emotion, her actions set a dangerous precedent—one where personal grievance is paraded as national advocacy, and national institutions are sacrificed on the altar of personal vindication.

“The widespread condemnation and accusations of international sabotage are not misplaced—they are justified.”

Chidolue criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan for attending the IPU meeting in a self-sponsored capacity despite her suspension from the senate.

He added that the suspended senator misrepresented the country by airing internal grievances.

“As a suspended Senator, she had no mandate to speak for the National Assembly. International platforms like the IPU recognize only sovereign parliamentary representations—not individuals seeking sympathy,” the statement reads.

“Her act of broadcasting internal disputes on foreign soil is not only unethical; it is a calculated betrayal of legislative cohesion and a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”

He warned that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions set a dangerous precedent, urging lawmakers to prioritise national loyalty over “self-serving theatrics.”

Akpabio had also said Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions humiliated the government and people of Nigeria after Akpoti-Uduaghan reported her suspension to the international body.