ABUJA, Nigeria – Jimoh Ibrahim, the senator representing Ondo South, has stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was not authorised to represent Nigeria at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, addressed the IPU in New York on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, alleging that she was suspended by the Nigerian Senate for accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan admitted that she attended the conference in a personal capacity.
However, in a statement on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Ibrahim, who chairs the Senate Inter-Parliamentary Committee, dismissed her petition against Akpabio as “dead on arrival.”
Ibrahim argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s move was baseless because she is not a member of the IPU.
“A petition can only be lodged against another member state by a member state. This implies that the IPU cannot consider petitions from individuals who are not members. The suspended Senator Natasha is not a member of the IPU, but Nigeria is,” he said.
He further emphasised that Akpoti-Uduaghan lacked the authority to represent Nigeria at the IPU.
“Additionally, the suspended Senator cannot represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I served as the interim president of the IPU in Geneva in 2023, and I am familiar with how the IPU operates after presiding over its proceedings,” Ibrahim stated.
Ibrahim also clarified that he did not authorise Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the IPU.
“Furthermore, as Chairman of the Inter-parliamentary Committee in the Nigerian Senate, I did not approve or authorise the suspended Senator Natasha to attend the IPU on behalf of Nigeria to the Senate President,” he added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance at the IPU has sparked controversy, with her allegations against Akpabio drawing mixed reactions.
While some have supported her decision to speak out, others, including Ibrahim, have questioned the legitimacy of her actions.
