More than 350 women’s rights organisations in Nigeria have petitioned the United Nations, accusing the Nigeria’s Senate of systemic discrimination against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The coalition, under the umbrella of Womanifesto, told UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem that the senator faced reprisals after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of harassment, a claim he denies.
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Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months shortly after the allegation, losing allowances, security and access to the chamber. Although a Federal High Court later ruled the suspension unconstitutional, the Senate has yet to reinstate her, citing procedural delays.
The petition urges the UN to demand her reinstatement, protection from intimidation, and reforms to ensure gender-sensitive handling of complaints. Signatories include Amnesty International Nigeria and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, who warn that failure to act risks silencing women in politics and undermining Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality.
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