Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, has escalated her legal battle against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the international stage. During the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting held at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office against Akpabio, seeking justice and the intervention of global democratic institutions.
The lawmaker described her suspension from the Senate as illegal and expressed fears that she could be detained upon her return to Nigeria for speaking out at the international forum. Her suspension came after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, allegations he has vehemently denied.
The conflict between the two lawmakers reached a boiling point last Thursday when the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan following a seat arrangement dispute on February 20, 2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and challenged her suspension in court. A Federal High Court in Abuja granted her an interim order restraining the Senate’s disciplinary committee from proceeding with its investigation, with the case adjourned to March 10, 2025.
However, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Senate committee dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio, citing procedural violations and legal constraints. The committee declared the petition “dead on arrival,” but Akpoti-Uduaghan re-submitted the petition the following day, vowing to continue her fight for justice.
Allegations and Counteractions
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations have sparked a heated debate in Nigeria’s political landscape, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the Senate. Her decision to take the matter to the United Nations highlights the gravity of the situation and her determination to seek redress beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The Senate President has consistently denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has argued that her suspension and the dismissal of her petition are attempts to silence her and undermine her quest for justice.
Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy
The case has drawn significant attention to issues of gender-based violence, abuse of power, and the treatment of whistleblowers in Nigeria’s political system. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bold move to involve international bodies underscores the challenges faced by women in politics and the need for stronger mechanisms to address harassment and discrimination.
As the legal battle continues, the case serves as a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights of its citizens, particularly women in leadership positions. The outcome of this high-profile dispute could have far-reaching implications for accountability and governance in the country.
Conclusion
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to bring her case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the United Nations marks a significant escalation in her fight for justice. Her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office have ignited a national conversation about power dynamics, gender equality, and the rule of law in Nigeria. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will undoubtedly remain a focal point in the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics.
