The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The decision, reached during Thursday’s plenary session, was based on recommendations from the Senate Disciplinary Committee, which found the Kogi Central lawmaker guilty of breaching the Senate’s rules.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned her suspension, calling it an “injustice that will not stand.” She vowed to continue her pursuit of justice despite the Senate’s ruling.
Her suspension stems from a dispute that began on February 20, 2025, when her seat was changed in the Senate chamber, an action she protested. The disagreement escalated into a heated exchange with Akpabio, leading to her allegations of sexual harassment against him—claims the Senate President has denied.
Despite some lawmakers calling for a reduced suspension period, the Senate upheld the committee’s recommendation for a six-month suspension. However, Senate President Akpabio stated that the suspension could be reviewed if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology.
While the committee initially recommended withholding both her salary and those of her aides, an appeal by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu led to a modification of the sanctions, ensuring that her aides would continue receiving their allowances.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had submitted a petition against Akpabio, but it was dismissed before her eventual suspension.
