IPU to Investigate Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that the organization will take action regarding her suspension after hearing all sides of the matter.

Speaking at the Women in Parliament session of the IPU meeting, Senator Natasha alleged that her suspension from the Nigerian Senate on March 6, 2025, was an act of political victimization following her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for sexual harassment.

“I believed that submitting the petition would lead to a fair and transparent investigation, but instead, I was silenced and suspended,” she said.

She further explained that the suspension came with severe conditions, including the withdrawal of her security, confiscation of official vehicles, salary cuts, and a six-month restriction from presenting herself as a senator both locally and internationally.

Calling the move an “assault on democracy,” Natasha urged global democratic institutions to intervene, emphasizing the broader impact on women’s participation in Nigerian politics.

In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged Natasha’s concerns and assured that the IPU would investigate the matter fairly by listening to all involved parties.

“As an institution, we will not only take her side but also give a chance to listen to the other side before taking necessary steps,” Ackson stated in a video released on March 12, 2025.

She also noted that a Nigerian delegate had requested to respond but was unable to speak due to time constraints. The IPU pledged to continue addressing the issue in the coming days.