Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Meeting at the United Nations in New York, seeking justice and intervention from global democratic institutions following what she describes as an unlawful suspension from the Nigerian Senate.

Speaking at the Women in Parliament Session during the IPU meeting, Senator Natasha alleged that her suspension was a form of political victimization after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. She expressed deep concerns over her security, claiming she fears being detained against her will in New York for bringing her case to the international stage.

In an emotional video obtained by Vanguard, Senator Natasha broke down in tears as she presented her case to the global assembly.

The senator was suspended after a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio, following her submission of a petition alleging sexual harassment. Her removal from office has since ignited widespread debate in Nigeria, with many questioning the fairness and due process of the disciplinary action taken against her.

Seeking international support, Senator Natasha emphasized that her suspension reflected the broader struggle women faced in Nigerian politics. She described it as an effort to silence not only her but also women who dare to challenge impunity and corruption.

“I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologize to honourable… I’m not here to bring shame to our country. I’m here to seek help for the women of Nigeria.

“Five days ago, on the 6th of March, 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition for a fair and transparent investigation, but unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended.

“I was suspended for six months amongst many other stringent conditions such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator. My salaries will be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly, and for six months, I’m not to introduce or present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria or internationally.

“That means I’m here illegally, but I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you women because this is a bigger picture. It depicts the crisis of women in political representation. My suspension is not just about me—it’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria. This is a clear case of political victimization, punishment for speaking out against impunity, corruption, and gender-based violence.”

“The Senate’s actions are an assault on democracy. I was elected by my constituents to represent them, yet a few powerful men have unilaterally decided to silence their voices by suspending me for six months. My call for an open and transparent investigation into harassment allegations has been met with hostility instead of accountability. If a female senator can be treated this way in the full view of the world, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women go through every day in workplaces, universities.”

Senator Natasha’s plea at the UN has added a new dimension to the controversy, escalating the matter beyond Nigeria’s borders. Her call for international intervention underscores the persistent challenges women face in political leadership and governance in the country.

As the situation unfolds, political analysts and human rights organizations continue to monitor the developments, with growing pressure on Nigerian authorities to uphold democratic principles and ensure justice in the matter.

With Senator Natasha bringing her case to the global stage, the debate on gender representation, political victimization, and accountability in Nigeria’s leadership is expected to intensify.

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