More than 350 Nigerian women’s rights organisations have escalated the standoff between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Nigerian Senate to the United Nations, accusing Senate leaders of gender-based discrimination and retaliation after the lawmaker alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a formal complaint submitted on Monday to Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, the Womanifesto network—representing more than 350 organisations—said the Senate’s actions undermine Nigeria’s human-rights obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, went public on February 20 with allegations that Akpabio harassed her—claims Akpabio strongly denies. Days later, the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee recommended a six-month suspension, citing breaches of parliamentary procedure. The suspension stripped her of salary, security, and chamber access, prompting outrage among civil society groups who said the punishment was disproportionate and retaliatory.
On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension unconstitutional and called for her reinstatement. Yet the Senate has blocked her return, arguing that the judgment lacked a binding reinstatement order and is “still under litigation.”
“This is about the integrity of our democracy,” said Dr. Abiola-Akiyode-Afolabi, Convener of Womanifesto and Director of the Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre. “If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?”
The complaint urges the UN to press Nigeria’s government and Senate to enforce the High Court ruling and reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately, guarantee her safety and protection from reprisals, establish an impartial investigation into the harassment claim and introduce structural reforms to ensure independent complaint mechanisms within the National Assembly.
Signatories include Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Women in Management Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), and Stand to End Rape (STER). Activists warn that the Senate’s refusal to comply with the court order sends a dangerous signal to women in public life.
“This case shows that sexual harassment in politics isn’t just a personal violation—it’s a threat to women’s participation in governance,” the petition says.
The UN Special Rapporteur’s office has not yet issued a response, but observers say international scrutiny could intensify pressure on Nigerian authorities to act. As the impasse drags on, the Akpoti-Uduaghan case is shaping up to be a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and the rule of law.