The Nigerian Senate has removed Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the country’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 stirred fresh political whispers within the National Assembly, coming amid lingering tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
CSW70, which began on March 9 and runs until March 19 at the United Nations headquarters, is one of the world’s largest gatherings dedicated to advancing gender equality and improving access to justice for women and girls.
Sources familiar with the nomination process said Akpoti-Uduaghan had originally been invited by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and 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.
However, when the final list of delegates was released, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s name was missing.
Instead, the Senate registered only Kingibe and Adegbonmire as Nigeria’s representatives at the conference.
The decision has fueled speculation in political circles, particularly given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s past disagreements with Senate leadership, including tense exchanges with Akpabio during plenary sessions that drew public attention.
While the Senate has not officially explained the change, observers say the move is likely to deepen debates over gender representation and internal power dynamics within the upper legislative chamber.
