The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has informed suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that it will seek responses from the Nigerian Senate and its President, Godswill Akpabio, before making a decision on her case.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended for six months on March 6, 2025, over alleged misconduct following a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio. She has since taken her case to the IPU, a global organization of national legislators, seeking intervention over what she described as an “illegal” suspension.
Addressing the IPU Women in Parliament Session, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed she was suspended for submitting a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio. She argued that instead of stepping aside to allow a fair investigation, Akpabio used his position to silence her.
“My suspension is not just about me—it’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria,” she stated, calling for international scrutiny of the Senate’s decision.
Her suspension has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with supporters arguing that it is politically motivated, while others view it as a consequence of procedural misconduct.
Responding to her address, IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged her concerns but emphasized that due process must be followed. “We have heard her side. As an institution, the IPU will also listen to the other side, including the Nigerian Senate and its leadership, before taking any necessary steps,” Ackson stated in a now-viral video.
The Nigerian Senate has yet to officially respond to the IPU’s stance on the matter.
