Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has alleged that her recent suspension from the Nigerian Senate was politically motivated and tied to her refusal to yield to sexual advances from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking in an interview with Sky News, the senator said she found the courage to speak publicly after what she described as “silent endurance” and institutional suppression.
Her comments come just weeks after the Senate suspended her for six months on the grounds of “gross misconduct,” a decision she claims followed immediately after she submitted a petition against Akpabio.
“They did mention that I was suspended on account of gross misconduct,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “but can they provide exactly what the misconduct was that amounted to six months’ suspension the day after I submitted a petition?”
The senator described the cited misconduct as a disagreement over seating arrangements, which she believes was a pretext to punish her for speaking up. “They only told me to move my seat, and I refused because I deserve notification. I deserve a chance to explain why I should retain my seat,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused Akpabio of persistently denying her opportunities to speak on motions critical to her constituency. She alleged that when she personally approached the Senate President, he made inappropriate demands.
“Each time I walk to him alone, he’ll tell me, ‘You know what, right here, I’m the chief presiding officer of the National Assembly, so you have to please me, make me happy to get these privileges,’” she said.
According to her, the situation deteriorated after she refused his repeated advances, resulting in malice and an alleged deliberate effort to obstruct her legislative work. “Things got difficult for me. I was always complaining. I’d have a motion to pass, and he wouldn’t let me. My husband, who is friends with him, would intervene, and he’d still say ‘next time,’” she added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that male colleagues who engage in far more disruptive behaviour — including fighting and throwing chairs — have never faced suspension. “Why? Because they are men?” she asked. “Our culture intertwines harassment, fear, and intimidation, where a woman should sit pretty, to be seen only and not heard.”
She believes her suspension was not only unlawful but a form of institutional retaliation designed to silence her voice as a female lawmaker standing up to a more powerful male figure.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has since denied the allegations, stating that the decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan was based strictly on legislative procedure and not influenced by any personal grievances or misconduct claims.
However, the incident has triggered renewed calls for transparency and gender equality in Nigeria’s political institutions. Advocacy groups and members of civil society are demanding an independent investigation into the senator’s claims and a review of the Senate’s disciplinary processes.
As of Friday, no formal statement has been issued by the Senate Ethics Committee on whether an inquiry into the matter will be launched.
