Nigerian Senator Suspended After Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Senate President

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of four women in the 109-seat chamber, claims her suspension is unjust and has filed a lawsuit seeking damages.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging he tied legislative support to demands for sexual favors.
The Nigerian Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months without pay, citing procedural issues with her complaint and a prior dispute over her seating arrangement.
Akpabio has denied the allegations, while Akpoti-Uduaghan has described her suspension as an attack on fairness and equity, vowing to continue serving her constituents.
The suspension, occurring days before International Women’s Day, has drawn condemnation from women’s rights advocates, who argue it highlights systemic gender bias in Nigerian politics.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Akpabio, seeking 100 billion naira ($64,000) in damages, and activists are calling for an independent investigation into her claims.