The Nigerian Senate has reportedly removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, from Nigeria’s official delegation to a United Nations Women’s event, replacing her with a male senator.
According to a report by Premium Times, the decision has generated reactions and discussions among political observers and civil society groups, particularly because the event focuses on women’s issues and gender equality.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is widely known for her advocacy on women’s rights, governance transparency, and social development, was initially expected to be part of the Nigerian delegation attending the international gathering organized by UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
However, the Senate reportedly revised the delegation list and replaced her with another lawmaker who is male. The reasons behind the decision were not immediately made clear at the time of the report.
The development has sparked debate on social media, with some commentators questioning why a female senator—particularly one known for advocating women’s issues—was removed from a delegation attending an event specifically focused on women.
Others have argued that the Senate leadership has the authority to determine the composition of official delegations representing Nigeria at international engagements.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been one of the most visible female voices in the National Assembly. Her political career has drawn national attention, especially due to her advocacy for good governance, economic reforms, and increased female participation in leadership.
Nigeria has historically faced challenges regarding women’s representation in politics. According to various international reports, the country has one of the lowest percentages of female lawmakers in Africa, a situation that has repeatedly prompted calls for reforms aimed at increasing gender inclusion in governance.
Organizations promoting gender equality often emphasize the importance of ensuring female representation at international events addressing women’s issues, arguing that women’s voices should be central in discussions about policies affecting them.
Meanwhile, some political analysts note that the final composition of government delegations can sometimes change due to administrative decisions, scheduling conflicts, or internal legislative arrangements.
As reactions continue to emerge, observers are awaiting further clarification from the Senate leadership regarding the decision and the criteria used in selecting members of Nigeria’s delegation to the UN event….See More
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