The Nigerian Senate has responded to allegations regarding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, clarifying that it was due to misconduct rather than claims of sexual harassment.
Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Wednesday, Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, addressed statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a United Nations event. The senator had alleged that her suspension was linked to her accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. However, Ogbara refuted these claims, stating that the decision was strictly based on violations of Senate rules.
“In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honourable Tulia Ackson, to hear both sides of the matter, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development of our parliament in Nigeria and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference,” she stated.
Ogbara noted that all allegations, including those related to sexual harassment, should be thoroughly investigated in a fair and transparent manner. She assured that Nigeria remains committed to protecting women’s rights and addressing gender-based violence through legal reforms and institutional improvements.
The Senate’s official stance was presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who outlined the reasons for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. According to the Senate’s letter, she was penalized for “gross misconduct and unruly behavior,” not for making harassment allegations.
“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 statement read.
Bamidele further explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate rules. Her refusal to comply with Senate procedures, including failing to sit in her designated seat during a plenary session on February 25, 2025, was cited as part of the misconduct. She was also accused of making disrespectful remarks towards Senate leadership and disregarding summons from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
The Senate stressed that the suspension was necessary to maintain order within the legislative body, adding that no senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the institution’s rules.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the statement added.
