Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Speaks Out: Suspension Linked To Sexual Harassment Allegations

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Opens Up About Her Suspension

Let me tell you a story that’s more than just a political drama—it’s a battle for justice. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, is speaking her truth. She insists her suspension isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a direct retaliation for her accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This isn’t just about politics—it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you.

During a candid interview with Sky News on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan didn’t hold back. She revealed that Akpabio allegedly told her she needed to “please him” to enjoy her privileges as a Senator. Imagine that for a second. A woman in a position of power being told she has to play by rules that shouldn’t exist in the first place. That’s not just unacceptable—it’s outrageous. Akpoti-Uduaghan is clear: her suspension is a calculated move to silence her, and she’s not backing down.

Her Side of the Story: A Six-Month Suspension

On March 5, 2025, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made a bold move. She accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The very next day, she was handed a six-month suspension. Now, let’s think about that for a moment. Coincidence? Or a calculated attempt to shut her up? Akpoti-Uduaghan believes it’s the latter. She’s calling out the National Assembly, challenging them to provide evidence of the so-called “gross misconduct” they claim led to her suspension. If they can’t, then what does that say about the fairness and transparency of the process?

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Here’s what she had to say: “I made an allegation of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the fifth day of March 2025 and the very next day, I was suspended for six months. I believe my suspension is illegal, it’s unjust, and it’s just a way of silencing me.” She’s not wrong. If you speak out against someone in power, especially with allegations as serious as sexual harassment, retaliation isn’t uncommon. But that doesn’t make it right. Not by a long shot.

Double Standards in the Senate

Akpoti-Uduaghan isn’t just fighting for herself—she’s fighting for fairness. She pointed out what many might see as a glaring double standard in the Senate. Men, she claims, have gotten away with far worse behavior without facing suspension. Think about that. Senators throwing items at each other, shouting, cursing—none of that resulted in a six-month suspension. Yet her speaking up about sexual harassment does. Why? Because she’s a woman? That’s the question she’s asking, and it’s a valid one.

She explained: “Let’s talk about the gross misconduct that had happened in the Nigerian chambers. I was only told to move, and I refused to move my seat because I deserved to be notified; I deserved to be given a chance to explain why I should retain my seat. You see, I have seen in that chamber where men fight, where Senators throw items at each other, curse each other, shout at each other, but they were not suspended. Why? Because they were men.” It’s a powerful statement, one that highlights the systemic issues within the Senate.

Enduring Harassment and Fighting Back

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s struggle didn’t start with her suspension. She revealed that she endured sexual harassment from Akpabio for over a year. When she refused to comply with his demands, things got worse. Instead of addressing the issue, Akpabio allegedly launched a campaign of intimidation against her. This isn’t just about one woman—it’s about creating a toxic environment where women are afraid to speak up.

She recounted how Akpabio repeatedly blocked her attempts to raise motions and push important bills for her constituency. Even her husband tried to intervene, but his efforts were stifled. Imagine that—having to watch as your husband tries to defend you, only to be shut down. It’s frustrating, disheartening, and downright unfair. Akpoti-Uduaghan found the courage to speak up, and she’s not backing down now.

Here’s what she said: “I experienced sexual harassment over the past year in the hands of the Senate President, and this sexual harassment, because I refused to yield to his demands, turned into malice whereby my rights and privileges as a senator were deprived. I found the courage to speak up; yes, the breaking point was moving me from that seat; I have had to endure a whole lot in silence.” Her bravery is inspiring, and it’s a reminder that speaking up is often the hardest—but most necessary—step.

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She continued: “Things got difficult for me; I was always complaining. My husband would actually walk up to him because they are friends, saying, ‘My wife has a very important bill, her constituency needs this, why don’t you give her a chance to speak?’ And he’d tell me, ‘Next time, next time.’ So he deliberately kept on denying me this. Each time I walked to him he’d tell me, ‘Right here I am the chief presiding officer of the National Assembly, so you have to please me, make me happy to get these privileges.’ And that happened several times. Because I refused, it developed into malice.”

Her final question is one that resonates deeply: “Which other way was I supposed to make my voice heard?” It’s a question that demands an answer, and it’s a call to action for everyone who believes in justice and equality.