Senate Tells IPU: Natasha Suspended for Gross Misconduct, Not Over Akpabio Harassment Claims

The Nigerian Senate has responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York.

On Tuesday, March 11, Natasha appealed to the parliament for assistance, alleging that she was handed a six-month suspension by the Senate after accusing the Senate President of sexually harassing her.

In a letter signed by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate dismissed her claims. The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.

The Senate’s letter read in part:

“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexu@l harassment or ass@ult. 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 sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.” the letter read.

Ogbara, however, called for a thorough investigation into Senator Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She emphasized that proper procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were followed before Natasha’s suspension.

Last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker, a decision that has sparked widespread debate across the country.

Natasha had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. However, the lawmakers dismissed the petition before suspending her, even after she submitted another petition.

Senator Natasha vowed to continue her fight against “injustice.” In response to the suspension, Akpabio denied the allegations, maintaining that he has never assaulted women.

Her conflict with the Senate President began on February 20, 2025, after her seat was relocated during a plenary session.