Nigerian senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and described the Nigerian Senate as operating like a “cult” where dissent is punished. Her allegations, which Akpabio denies, have sparked a national debate on gender equality and political power dynamics in Nigeria.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed the harassment began in 2023 when she visited Akpabio’s home with her husband. She alleged that he made inappropriate comments and gestures toward her, which continued over several months in the Senate.
However, her petition against Akpabio was dismissed due to “procedural errors.” Shortly after, she was suspended for six months without pay for “unruly and disruptive” behavior in the Senate.
Her suspension has raised security concerns, as she was stripped of her official protection, leaving her and her two-year-old child vulnerable. Civil society groups and women’s rights activists have condemned her treatment, calling for an independent investigation.
Despite facing social media backlash and misogynistic abuse, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains determined to challenge her suspension in court and refile her harassment complaint. She says she draws strength from her supporters and other women in politics who face similar struggles but cannot speak out.
Her case highlights broader issues of gender inequality in Nigerian politics, where only four out of 109 senators are women, and raises concerns about the suppression of dissent within the country’s legislative system.
