Natasha Akpoti takes ‘sexual harassment’ case to Inter-Parliamentary Union in New York, reports suspension

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has reported Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

She spoke at the IPU meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her.

The allegation was preceded by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s outburst against Akpabio over the seating arrangement at the senate chamber.

She was suspended on March 6 over the seat reallocation altercation for six months.

At the IPU meeting, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she is seeking justice and intervention from international democratic institutions over what she terms an “unlawful suspension” from the Nigerian senate.

“I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I will like to apologise to Hon. Kafilat Ogbara. I am not here to bring shame to our country, I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria,” she told the assembly.

“Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“I thought by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the committee of ethics, privileges and public petitions for a fair and transparent investigation.

“But unfortunately, I was silenced, and I was suspended for six months among many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator.

“My salary would be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the national assembly. And for six months, I am not to present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria and internationally. I am here illegally, and I have no other place to go but to come here.”

She said her suspension is not just about her, but about the exclusion of women in political leadership in Nigeria.

“This is a clear case of political victimisation, punishment for speaking out against impunity, corruption and gender-based violence,” she added.