The Nigerian Senate has addressed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), clarifying that her suspension was due to misconduct and not allegations of sexual harassment.
The response, issued by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who represented Nigeria at the event.
The letter stated, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour, not due to any claims of sexual harassment or assault.
The Senate firmly rejects the misinformation and false narratives being spread by certain media outlets regarding her six-month suspension.”
It further emphasized that her suspension was based on repeated violations of Senate Standing Orders.
Despite this clarification, Honorable Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She maintained that proper procedures were followed before the suspension was enforced.
The controversy began last week when Senator Natasha was suspended, sparking a nationwide debate.
Her suspension followed her submission of a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, which was dismissed before lawmakers took action against her.
She later refiled the petition but was still suspended.
In response, Senator Natasha vowed to continue her fight against “injustice,” while Akpabio denied the accusations, stating he has never assaulted women.
Their conflict dates back to February 20, 2025, when an altercation arose after her seat was changed during plenary.
This was not their first public dispute— in July 2024, Akpabio had rebuked her for misconduct, remarking that the Senate was not a nightclub where anyone could speak without order. He later apologized for the comment.
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