Nigerian Senator suspended over sexual harassment allegation against senate president

Nigerian lawmakers have imposed a six-month suspension on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her petition alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan first made the accusations public in an interview last Friday. However, after rejecting her petition on procedural grounds, the Senate’s ethics committee recommended her suspension, arguing that she had brought the upper chamber into disrepute. While some senators pushed for a shorter, three-month suspension, the majority upheld the committee’s six-month recommendation.

The decision has sparked widespread controversy, with women’s rights activist Hadiza Ado calling it “a sad day for Nigerian women.” Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the move as "an injustice that will not stand" and vowed to continue her pursuit of justice.

Her allegations have fueled nationwide debate, prompting calls for an independent investigation. On Wednesday, opposing groups of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly in Abuja—one demanding Akpabio’s removal and the other supporting him.

Ado, founder of the Women and Children Initiative, expressed disappointment, emphasizing that of Nigeria’s 109 senators, only four are women, and now one has been silenced. Many women on social media have also criticized the suspension, labeling it an act of oppression.

During her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan is barred from the National Assembly, and her office will remain locked.