The Nigerian Senate has dismissed claims by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleging an attempt to arrest her during the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly. The Senate described her statements as baseless and politically motivated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, alleged that top Senate officials had plotted to have her arrested while she attended the IPU meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. She claimed the move was designed to intimidate her over her vocal stance on governance and gender equality.
In response, the Senate leadership refuted the allegations, calling them an attempt to gain public sympathy and deflect from disciplinary measures taken against her. Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the claims as “completely false and a misrepresentation of facts.”
“At no point did the Senate or its leadership make any attempt to detain or harass Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. These allegations are political theatrics aimed at damaging the reputation of the Senate,” Adaramodu stated during a press briefing.
He further noted that the IPU Assembly, as an international parliamentary gathering, ensures diplomatic immunity for lawmakers, making such an arrest highly unlikely.
Political observers believe Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims highlight underlying tensions within the Senate, particularly concerning gender representation and internal power struggles. Some analysts suggest the allegations could be a diversion from ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct in the legislative body.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters continue to call for transparency, urging the Senate to address broader concerns raised by female lawmakers about fair representation and the need for a harassment-free political environment.
As the situation unfolds, many are waiting to see whether the senator will present evidence to support her claims or if the controversy will fade as another episode in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.
