The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has assured Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that due process will be followed in addressing concerns over her suspension from the Nigerian Senate.

Speaking at the Women in Parliament session during the IPU meeting, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as politically motivated, claiming it was a response to a petition she submitted against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment.

“I believed that submitting the petition would lead to a fair and transparent investigation, but instead, I was silenced and suspended,” she said. She further detailed the sanctions imposed on her, including withdrawal of security, seizure of official vehicles, salary stoppage, and a six-month restriction from the National Assembly.

Calling for intervention, she described her suspension as “a clear case of political victimization and a systematic effort to exclude women from leadership in Nigeria.”

In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged her concerns and pledged a fair review of the matter. “We have heard her concerns, and as an institution, we will be taking the necessary steps. However, it is important that we also listen to the other side before making any decisions, as is our custom at the IPU,” she said.

The IPU’s decision to examine all perspectives indicates that further developments are expected in the case.