NIGERIA’S SENATE is once again at the centre of a heated controversy following its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The move has sparked widespread debate over legislative discipline, gender representation in politics, and the broader implications for governance in the country.
The Explainer gathered that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), recommended the suspension alongside other punitive measures. These include an apology from Akpoti-Uduaghan for “disrespecting the institution,” the withdrawal of her salary and security details, and a directive barring her from Senate premises throughout the suspension period.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her, a claim the Senate President has strongly denied. The Explainer learned that she resubmitted a petition on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu, and was allowed by Akpabio to present it at 12:38 PM. However, the matter was immediately referred to the Ethics Committee, which was tasked with reviewing the petition and reporting back within four weeks.
The controversy deepened after Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order, arguing that the petition should not be considered because it was personally signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan and related to an ongoing court case between her and Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife. Monguno cited Senate Standing Order 40, which bars the discussion of matters sub judice.
The Explainer gathered that on Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Ethics dismissed the petition entirely, declaring it “dead on arrival.” The committee also rejected Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that Akpabio was silencing her voice in the chamber, describing the allegations as “frivolous.”
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Reacting to the development, former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili strongly criticised the Senate’s handling of the matter. In a post on her X page on Thursday, she condemned the dismissal of the petition and called for a transparent public hearing.
“Our national assembly, which comprises the Senate and House of Representatives, belongs to the Nigerian people and not to politicians of any stripe and status,” Ezekwesili wrote. “This is why the national assembly is called a public institution. No individual nor collection of individuals and their groups can capture a public institution and use it to their personal benefit or advantage.”
Ezekwesili argued that dismissing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations without due process was a “democratic aberration.” She said, “Whenever a situation like the one involving Senators Natasha Akpoti and Akpabio occurs, the lawmakers must understand the Nigerian public want transparency and full disclosure. Dismissing a serious accusation against the Senate President just like the senators irresponsibly did yesterday is a democratic aberration. It cannot stand. Never.”
She further criticised the fact that Akpabio presided over the session where the petition was discussed, calling it a “farce” and “a blot on our democracy.” She insisted that the petition should not only be revisited but also given the seriousness it deserves to “defend the institutional integrity of our Senate.”
The Explainer reports that the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan previous week escalated when she arrived at the chamber to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned. Viewing the move as unjustified, she protested, leading to heightened tensions in the chamber.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro later attempted to intervene, appealing for a reduction of the suspension from six months to three. Moro acknowledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated Senate rules but urged his colleagues to “temper justice with mercy.” Despite his appeal, the Senate upheld the original recommendations.
Public reaction to the suspension has been swift, with many Nigerians expressing outrage on social media. @elocefe questioned, “Was her action immature in handling the issue? Did she in any way bring disgrace to the nation and the @NGRSenate?”
@DatNigerianMan remarked, “Nigeria is one of the few nations where speaking out makes you a target. Those in the wrong want the country to remain in chaos because that’s the only way they can continue to thrive. A sad reality for our nation.”
@UBZaks accused the Senate of bias, stating, “It’s very obvious that the Senate is playing out a script, and Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will not get a fair hearing from this Senate that is already biased against her.”
The Explainer gathered that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has reignited calls for reform in the Nigerian Senate. Critics argue that the institution continues to operate with opaque disciplinary measures that disproportionately affect opposition lawmakers and outspoken individuals. A related report by Sahara Reporters highlighted concerns that the Nigerian Senate has become increasingly autocratic, using suspensions as a means to silence dissenting voices.
Data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) further underscores the broader structural issues in Nigeria’s political system. The country currently ranks 181st globally in women’s representation in national parliaments, with women occupying just 3.6% of Senate seats (IPU Data). Analysts argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension highlights the persistent gender imbalance and the challenges faced by female politicians in Nigeria.
