Nigerian female senator reinstated after court rules on sexism complaint

A Nigerian Federal High Court has ordered the reinstatement of a female senator who was previously removed after reporting sexual harassment—a decision that has stirred national debate and divided opinion across the country. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing her expulsion as "excessive."

In March, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months by the Nigerian Senate for alleged gross misconduct, following a dispute with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangements.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, addressed her concerns during a national television appearance, alleging that the Senate President retaliated against her for rejecting his sexual advances. She then submitted a formal petition to the Senate, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he firmly denied.

The Senate unanimously referred her to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary review, which later recommended her suspension.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that the sexual advances occurred frequently via phone, in person, and occasionally in her husband's presence, affirming that she possesses all the evidence.

The court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt of a gag order after comments against the president were posted to her social media account and fined him $3,250. Akpabio is also facing a defamation suit after alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan and another politician were trying to assassinate him.

Several women-led civil society organizations have urged the Nigerian Senate to appeal the court's decision reinstating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling the ruling a "serious threat" to legislative discipline and the integrity of the institution. The Coalition of Concerned Women for Legislative Integrity (CCWLI) released a statement in Abuja on Monday, warning that the court's ruling—overturning Akpoti-Uduaghan's six-month suspension from the Senate—could set a troubling precedent.

Former Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also a former First Lady of Nigeria, backed the Senate's decision to eject Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating they acted appropriately.