Senate responds to Sen. Natasha’s complaint at UN Inter-Parliamentary Conference

The complaint lodged by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York continues to spark reactions, as the Nigerian Senate formally responded to her claims.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had taken her grievances to the global institution, seeking intervention over what she described as injustice against her. Following her submission, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assured her that it would assess her complaint after hearing from the other side.

In response, the Nigerian Senate, through a letter by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, refuted her allegations. The letter was read during the conference by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who attended the event on Nigeria’s behalf.

The Senate’s statement clarified that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for “gross misconduct and unruly behavior,” not due to allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the letter read.

Hon. Ogbara, however, called for a thorough investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Akpabio while reiterating that her suspension followed due process under Senate rules.

The lawmaker’s suspension has continued to fuel debate across Nigeria. Before the Senate’s decision, she had submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but lawmakers dismissed it before eventually suspending her.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who remains vocal about the issue, has vowed to continue her fight against what she calls “injustice.” Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied all allegations, insisting he has never assaulted any woman.

Tensions between the two senators date back to February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was changed during plenary, leading to an altercation. Their disputes can be traced further back to July 2024, when Akpabio rebuked her for alleged misconduct, stating that the Senate was “not a nightclub.” He later apologized for the remark.