The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has responded to the appeal of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, acknowledging her concerns but stating that it will first hear from the Senate and its President, Godswill Akpabio, before taking further action on her case.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months on March 6, 2025, by the Nigerian Senate for alleged misconduct, had addressed the IPU at the Women in Parliament session, seeking intervention over what she described as an illegal suspension stemming from a sexual harassment petition she submitted against Senate President Akpabio.
The suspended senator, visibly distressed, explained her suspension to the global legislative body, claiming it was politically motivated and a violation of her rights as a representative. She also noted the punitive measures that followed her suspension, including the removal of her security details, the revocation of official vehicles, and a salary cut, as well as restrictions preventing her from presenting herself as a senator locally and internationally.
In her address, Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the broader issue of systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria, arguing that her case was emblematic of the larger challenges women face in political spaces. She also stated that her suspension was in retaliation for speaking out against corruption, impunity, and gender-based violence, and emphasized the lack of accountability in the Senate’s actions.
The President of the IPU, Tulia Ackson, responded to Natasha’s concerns by stating that while the organization had heard her side of the story, they would need to hear from the Senate and Akpabio before taking any action. Ackson explained that the IPU’s approach is to provide an opportunity for all parties involved to present their cases before any conclusions are drawn, in line with their standard procedures.
"Once we listen to the other side, we will take steps as necessary because she said something out of our agenda," Ackson stated in a now-viral video.
The IPU’s stance ensures that all parties will be given a fair opportunity to be heard before any decisions are made regarding the suspension, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal has sparked significant debate within Nigeria, with many questioning the legality and fairness of her suspension. The case now awaits further developments as the IPU works to resolve the matter.
