The Nigerian Senate has formally responded to claims made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, clarifying that her recent suspension was due to alleged gross misconduct and not in connection with her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This was disclosed in a letter presented at the ongoing United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York, where Senator Natasha had earlier raised the matter on March 11. In her submission, she alleged that she was suspended from the Senate for six months following her accusation of sexual harassment against the Senate President.
However, the Senate, through a letter signed by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, refuted the allegation, insisting that Senator Natasha’s suspension followed due legislative process.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour, not as a result of any allegation of sexual harassment or assault,” the letter stated. “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 six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
The letter was read at the conference by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, who is attending the event on behalf of Nigeria.
While delivering the Senate’s position, Hon. Ogbara also called for a transparent investigation into Senator Natasha’s sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President. She emphasized the importance of following due process and ensuring that the matter is thoroughly examined in line with legislative procedures.
The controversy began following a heated exchange between Senator Natasha and the Senate leadership on February 20, 2025, when her seat was reportedly changed during a plenary session. The development culminated in her suspension last week, a decision that has since stirred widespread public debate.
Senator Natasha had earlier submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of harassment, which was dismissed by her colleagues. A second petition also failed to gain traction before the suspension was announced.
Despite the setback, the lawmaker has vowed to continue her campaign against what she described as “injustice and abuse of power.” Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has since denied the allegations, stating he has never assaulted or harassed any woman