The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured embattled Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that her suspension from the Nigerian Senate will be examined with due process.
Ackson’s statement came after Akpoti-Uduaghan petitioned the IPU and the United Nations, describing her suspension as unjust and politically motivated. Speaking at the **Women in Parliament** session during the IPU meeting, she claimed that her removal was in retaliation for a petition she submitted against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over alleged sexual harassment.
“I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologise to honourable members—I am not here to bring shame to my country. I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said her suspension came with severe sanctions, including the withdrawal of security, confiscation of official vehicles, stoppage of salary, and a ban from the National Assembly premises.
“For six months, I am not allowed to present myself as a senator, either locally or internationally,” she lamented, arguing that her removal was part of a broader effort to suppress women’s participation in leadership.
“This is a clear case of political victimization and a systematic effort to exclude women from leadership in Nigeria. If a female senator can be treated this way in full public view, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women face every day in workplaces and universities,” she added.
In response, Ackson assured that the IPU would consider all sides of the matter before reaching a decision.
“We have heard her concerns, and as an institution, we will be taking the necessary steps. However, it is important that we also listen to the other side before making any decisions, as is our custom at the IPU,” Ackson stated.
She also acknowledged that a Nigerian delegate had attempted to present a counterargument during the session but was unable to do so due to time constraints.
The IPU’s decision to review the case suggests that further developments are expected as the international parliamentary body continues deliberations.
