The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following her allegations of sexual assault against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension, effective March 6, 2025, stems from purported violations of Senate rules.
On February 28, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a visit to his residence in December 2023. She claimed that while attending Akpabio’s birthday celebration in Akwa Ibom with her husband and associates, the Senate President made inappropriate remarks and gestures towards her. In response, the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions reviewed the allegations and recommended a six-month suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing violations of Senate Standing Rules. The Senate adopted these recommendations, leading to her suspension.
The suspension proceedings were marked by significant tension. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to address the chamber but was denied the opportunity and subsequently escorted out by security personnel. She decried the decision, stating, “This injustice will not be sustained.” Critics have condemned the ethics committee’s handling of the case, alleging bias in the proceedings. Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director of TechHerNG, an organization advocating for women’s rights, stated, “The ethics committee to which her petition was referred has shown that it is not fit for purpose.”
Legally and based on the Senate’s policies, Akpoti-Uduaghan is now barred from accessing her Senate office, receiving salaries or allowances, having official security personnel, representing the Senate at any event domestically or internationally, and entering the National Assembly premises during the six-month suspension period. These measures emphasize the severity of the Senate’s response to the alleged procedural violations.
Senate President Akpabio has denied the allegations of sexual misconduct. He highlighted his longstanding relationship with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her family, noting his attendance at her wedding and his friendship with her husband. Akpabio stated, “The person we are talking about here is the wife of my very good friend or so I thought.” The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked mixed reactions within Nigeria’s political landscape. While some view the decision as a necessary enforcement of legislative discipline, others argue that the penalties are excessive and could set a precedent for stifling dissent within the chamber.
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