Senate sidelines Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, sends male Senator to UN Women Conference
In a move raising eyebrows across political and gender advocacy circles, the Nigerian Senate has quietly removed Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Nigeria’s delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, replacing her with a male colleague, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire.
The development has sparked fresh speculation within the National Assembly, coming amid long-standing tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Observers say the decision highlights both internal power dynamics within the Senate and ongoing concerns about gender representation in key international platforms.
CSW70, which opened on March 9 and runs until March 19 at the United Nations headquarters, is one of the world’s largest gatherings dedicated to promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and access to justice for women and girls. The annual conference brings together policymakers, activists, and international stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing women’s rights globally.
According to sources familiar with the nomination process, Akpoti-Uduaghan was initially invited by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and had promptly submitted her passport details as requested. She was reportedly assured of inclusion by Senator Ireti Kingibe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, after two other female senators indicated they would not be able to attend.
Yet, when the final list of delegates was released, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s name was missing. Instead, the Senate registered only Kingibe and Adegbonmire, effectively replacing the female senator with a male counterpart at a conference dedicated to women’s issues.
The decision has fueled speculation across political circles, given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s past confrontations with Senate leadership. Her disagreements with Akpabio, including tense plenary exchanges, have been widely reported, prompting questions about whether the removal was politically motivated rather than procedural.
Gender advocacy groups have also expressed concern. “Sending a male delegate in place of a qualified female senator undermines the very purpose of this conference,” said one source close to women’s rights organizations. “It sends the wrong signal about Nigeria’s commitment to female representation at international forums.”
The Senate has not publicly explained the rationale behind the change. However, political analysts warn that the move could intensify debates over gender inclusion and highlight persistent internal power struggles within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
With the CSW70 already underway, attention now turns to how Nigeria will navigate its international commitments to gender equality amid a decision that appears to sideline one of its prominent female lawmakers.
