Why Senate Replaced Akpoti-Uduaghan With Male Senator in Nigeria’s Delegation to UN Women’s Conference

March 12, 2026

The Nigerian Senate has removed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, from the country’s delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City, replacing her with Adeniyi Adegbonmire.

The development has drawn attention because the global meeting focuses on advancing women’s rights and gender equality.

The 70th session of the commission, taking place from March 9 to 19 at the United Nations headquarters, brings together member states, UN agencies, and civil society groups to discuss strategies for strengthening access to justice for women and girls, removing discriminatory laws, and promoting women’s full participation in public life.

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How Akpoti-Uduaghan Was Dropped

Questions over Nigeria’s delegation emerged on February 25 when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns during a Senate Committee on Appropriations meeting that she had been excluded despite being invited by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

The ministry had requested the data page of her international passport for accreditation, which she said she submitted within hours. She was later informed she would not be part of the delegation because the information was allegedly submitted late.

Initially, Senate Committee on Women Affairs Chair Ireti Kingibe had assured Akpoti-Uduaghan that her nomination had been forwarded after two other female senators Idiat Adebule (Lagos West) and Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West) declined the invitation.

Kingibe also indicated she would reconsider her own participation if the Kogi senator was blocked.

However, in a March 5 letter, Kingibe informed Akpoti-Uduaghan that only two senators herself and Adegbonmire had been finalised for registration, citing pending ministry approval for additional delegates. She advised Akpoti-Uduaghan that she could still attend in a personal capacity if she possessed a valid US visa.

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Political Context

According to Premium Times, An anonymous Senate Committee staffer suggested concerns within leadership may have influenced the removal, fearing Akpoti-Uduaghan might raise sensitive issues at the forum.

The senator’s relationship with Senate leadership has reportedly been tense since her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a matter that drew significant public debate.

Her replacement by a male senator at a conference dedicated to women’s issues has drawn criticism from gender advocates, who warn it raises questions about Nigeria’s commitment to female representation in governance.

At present, Kingibe and Adegbonmire remain the only senators officially registered to represent the upper chamber at the CSW70 in New York.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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