Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has disclosed how she gained access to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, despite not being officially nominated by the Nigerian government.
In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she registered for the meeting online as a senator and was accredited because she was already on IPU’s mailing list from a previous attendance.
“The suspension does not remove my legitimacy as a senator. I registered online, got my pass, and personally funded my trip,” she stated.
Past IPU Engagements and Independent Participation
This is not her first involvement with the IPU. In March 2024, she attended the 148th IPU General Assembly in Geneva as part of Nigeria’s delegation, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo.
For the New York event, Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that the IPU is not exclusive to government officials and allows participation from individuals and civil society groups. She traveled with a regular Nigerian passport, not an official one.
Controversy Over Legitimacy Amid Suspension
Her six-month suspension from the Senate prohibits her from identifying as a senator, both locally and internationally. However, she insists the suspension is illegal and does not negate her elected status.
“I attended in my official capacity and spoke as a legitimate representative of my people,” she affirmed.
Allegations of Arrest Plans
Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that efforts were underway to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.
“I’m aware of plans to have me arrested as soon as I arrive in Abuja,” she claimed, further alleging that Senate President Akpabio sent a team from Nigeria’s embassy in New York to remove her from the UN premises after her speech. According to her, she was rescued by international parliamentarians and security personnel.
Efforts to reach Akpabio’s spokesperson and the Senate’s spokesperson for comments were unsuccessful.
Government Investigation Underway
The Nigerian government has launched a probe into how Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the meeting without official approval. Intelligence agencies, including the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), are investigating whether her participation was facilitated by interest groups aiming to embarrass the government.
The controversy deepened after she used the platform to criticize her Senate suspension, alleging political persecution and raising claims of sexual harassment against the Senate president.
The unfolding drama raises questions about political accountability, freedom of speech, and the balance between parliamentary rules and democratic representation.
