The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has assured that it will thoroughly examine the complaint filed by Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has accused Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of unjustly suspending her for six months and subjecting her to alleged sexual harassment.
At the Women in Parliament session held at the United Nations in New York, on the 11th of March, 2025 Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan delivered a powerful, emotionally charged speech, decrying what she termed as political .
She passionately urged global democratic institutions to intervene, emphasizing that her suspension was not only “unlawful” but also a glaring act of injustice.
In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged the gravity of the senator’s claims but emphasized the organization’s commitment to fairness. She assured that while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s concerns had been heard, the IPU would also consider the perspective of the other party before deciding on further action.
“There was a matter that arose during the first session which we had this morning. The matter that was raised by our colleague from Nigeria, Senator Natasha, and because all of us heard what she said and it only serves us better if I put a word in what she has said.
“So I would like to say we have heard her concerns, and having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand more about what she has said, but because we listened only on her side, as an institution as IPU, we will be taking the concerns that have been raised, not only taking her side, but also giving a chance to listen to the other side, as it is a custom for IPU. And after having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary.
“I thought it was necessary for us to say a word about it and then be able to take it further.
So we have taken care, or we have taken the concerns that she raised, and we will be working on them, of course, having listened to the other side, and we will be able to take steps after that.
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“I also recognize the fact that our Nigerian delegate, who is here had requested the floor honorable cavid, but because of time, she wasn’t given a chance to speak.
“But like I said, we have heard the concerns that have been raised by Senator Natasha, but at the same time, we have taken cognizance of the fact that you would have wished to address us, but time wasn’t enough to give us a chance to do that.
“And that said, IPU will be taking this matter as we usually do when such concerns are raised in meetings like this.”
With the IPU now formally engaged in the matter, the case has drawn international attention, placing Nigeria’s legislative system under scrutiny.
The outcome of this deliberation could set a precedent for gender representation and political fairness in the country’s governance.