The suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Nigerian Senate is not just a political maneuver—it is a direct attack on women’s voices in governance. Her case exemplifies how power structures in Nigeria punish women who speak out while protecting those accused of misconduct. The events surrounding her suspension reveal a disturbing reality: when women challenge the status quo, they are silenced, ridiculed, or removed altogether.
What began as a dispute over seating arrangements quickly escalated into serious allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Rather than investigating these claims, the Senate chose to punish the whistleblower instead of the accused. This response undermines justice and sends a chilling message—powerful men can act with impunity, while those who expose their abuses face consequences.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s revelations about Akpabio’s alleged inappropriate advances and unethical demands for political favors should have sparked outrage, particularly among women’s rights advocates. Instead, what followed was an unsettling silence from many self-proclaimed champions of gender equality. Where were the feminist voices that should have rallied behind her? Their inaction is an insult to every woman who has suffered harassment in Nigeria’s political and professional spheres.
Even more disappointing is the role played by female senators in this disgraceful episode. Rather than standing in solidarity with their colleague, some facilitated her suspension. Senator Ireti Kingibe, who was expected to uphold justice, endorsed the six-month suspension but was notably absent during the debate. How can a woman who claims to advocate for gender equity contribute to silencing another woman? This betrayal underscores the systemic rot in Nigeria’s political culture, where personal interests trump collective justice.
The Senate Ethics Committee, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, further demonstrated institutional bias against women who challenge power. Instead of addressing the serious allegations against Akpabio, they swiftly moved to punish the whistleblower. Their unanimous decision to bar Senator Natasha from the National Assembly and prohibit her from identifying as a senator is a blatant abuse of authority. This is not just political punishment—it is a warning to every Nigerian woman who dares to speak truth to power.
Beyond the personal injustice faced by Senator Natasha, her suspension has far-reaching implications for women’s participation in governance. If a sitting female senator—one with influence and a platform—can be humiliated and removed for speaking out, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerian women facing harassment and discrimination? The message is clear: women must remain silent, conform to the system, and never challenge powerful men. This culture of suppression has kept women marginalized in Nigerian politics for decades.
Senator Natasha’s ordeal is a stark reminder that Nigerian women in leadership are still viewed as disposable. Each time one rises to challenge oppression, she is met with hostility, ridicule, and political sabotage. This cycle must end.
The silence of feminist organizations and women’s rights advocates in the wake of this injustice is deafening. Those who refuse to stand with Senator Natasha today should remember that their inaction emboldens the very system that will eventually turn against them. Women must not allow themselves to be used as tools of oppression against their own. Instead, they must unite against the misogynistic forces seeking to erase them from positions of power.
Senator Natasha’s suspension must serve as a rallying cry for women across Nigeria. Allowing this injustice to stand unchallenged means legitimizing the suppression of women in leadership. Today, it is Natasha; tomorrow, it could be any woman fighting for accountability and justice.
Now is the time for Nigerian women—especially those in positions of influence—to break their silence. Those who claim to support gender equality cannot remain passive while a woman is punished for exposing harassment. This moment is a test of the feminist movement’s resolve—will they rise to the occasion, or will they continue to be spectators as powerful men trample on women’s rights?
Civil society groups, feminist organizations, and human rights activists must mobilize protests, petitions, and legal challenges to ensure this injustice does not go unchallenged. More importantly, Nigerian women must recognize that their collective power is greater than any institution that seeks to suppress them.
History has shown that when women come together, they can dismantle oppressive structures. The question is: Are Nigerian women ready to stand up against those who seek to silence them? If injustice is allowed to become the norm, then silence is no longer an option.
Senator Natasha’s suspension is not just a political issue—it is a test of our collective resolve to fight for justice, fairness, and women’s rights in Nigeria.
Let this moment be remembered not as another instance where a woman was punished for speaking out, but as the moment when Nigerian women finally said, “Enough is enough.” Senator Natasha’s suspension is an attack on every woman in Nigeria, and it must not be allowed to stand.
Garba Ubale Kankarofi is a journalist and public affairs analyst. He wrote this piece from Kano, Nigeria, and can be reached at garbakankarofi09@gmail.com.
