Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has declared that the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) does not have the jurisdiction to intervene in the internal affairs of Nigeria’s Senate, particularly regarding the petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended for six months on March 6, 2025, following allegations of misconduct and violations of Senate protocols.
Her suspension was initiated after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, allegations Akpabio has categorically denied.
In response to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan took her grievances to the IPU during its assembly held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
She appealed for international intervention, asserting that her suspension was a punitive measure aimed at suppressing her voice and discouraging female participation in Nigeria’s political scene.
Senator Ibrahim, addressing the matter, insisted that the IPU has no authority to interfere in Nigeria’s legislative processes, stressing that the Nigerian Senate adheres strictly to its established rules and procedures.
He said, “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!”
“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.”
“The IPU cannot interfere in the internal proceedings of our Senate. Our actions are guided by our constitution and standing orders,” he stated.
In a related comment, Senator Solomon Adeola warned the IPU against what he described as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to globalize a purely domestic issue.
He urged the international parliamentary body to respect Nigeria’s legislative autonomy and avoid becoming a tool for political manipulation.
Despite these remarks, the IPU has acknowledged the receipt of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition. IPU President Tulia Ackson assured that the union would consider the complaint, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly evaluating all sides of the matter to ensure a fair and balanced perspective.
