ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, on Thursday, 26 February 2026, publicly accused her Senate colleague, Senator Ireti Kingibe, of excluding her from certain committee activities. The allegation was made during the budget defence of the Committee on Women Affairs.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned the lack of unity and coordination among female senators, particularly in relation to a global event on women’s rights hosted by the United Nations. She expressed frustration over her reported exclusion from the process, noting that female representation in the Nigerian Senate remains limited.
She was reportedly invited to participate in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) event in New York, United States. According to the senator, she promptly provided her passport within three hours of being notified. However, she was later informed by the Ministry of Women Affairs that she could not attend due to an alleged delay.
“I was only informed about the event yesterday at 1:00 pm, and I immediately responded with my passport. Despite my prompt response, I was subsequently told that I responded too late and would not be attending. I should not be treated differently from other women, especially concerning an event focused on the betterment of women,” she said.
The dispute underscores rising tensions within the Senate regarding committee participation and the equitable involvement of female lawmakers in international engagements.