The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured suspended Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that the organization will review her case after listening to all involved parties.
Ackson made this statement during the Women in Parliament session at the IPU’s recent meeting.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) addressed the international gathering with a passionate appeal. “I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria,” she said. “But first, I’d like to apologise to honourable members—I am not here to bring shame to my country. I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria.”
She revealed that she was suspended on March 6, 2025, after submitting a petition alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“I believed that submitting the petition would lead to a fair and transparent investigation, but instead, I was silenced and suspended.”
According to her, the suspension came with severe conditions: her security detail was withdrawn, her official vehicles and entitlements were confiscated, and she was barred from appearing near the National Assembly. “For six months, I am not allowed to present myself as a senator, either locally or internationally,” she stated.
“This is a clear case of political victimization and a systematic effort to exclude women from leadership in Nigeria,” she added. “If a female senator can be treated this way in full public view, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women face every day in workplaces and universities.”
IPU’s Response
Following her speech, IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged the concerns raised. “We have heard her concerns,” Ackson stated in a video released on March 12. “As an institution, the IPU will take the concerns seriously—not just taking her side but also giving a chance to listen to the other side as is our custom.”
Ackson emphasized that fairness demands listening to all parties before taking any action. “After having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary,” she said.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Senator Akpabio and Nigerian Senate don buy market, dem don bite the one wey go choke dem for neck. Senator Natasha don carry the battle enter anoda level. pic.twitter.com/eaeqYyKBBc
— Will 🏝️ (@PEC_Concepts) March 11, 2025
She also acknowledged that a Nigerian delegate at the IPU meeting had requested to speak on the matter but was unable to do so due to time constraints.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is reigniting debates on gender equality in Nigerian politics. Many women’s rights groups argue that her case reflects the struggles women face in leadership.
While the Nigerian Senate has defended its decision, critics see the move as an attempt to suppress opposition voices.
The IPU’s intervention brings international attention to the issue, increasing pressure on the Nigerian government to look more closely into the matter.
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