Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension sparks debate on gender, political fairness

The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate has ignited intense debate on gender, power dynamics, and political fairness in the country.

Her six-month suspension, following allegations of misconduct, came shortly after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, raising suspicions of political retaliation.

While the Senate maintains that her suspension was due to violations of legislative rules and not linked to her confrontation with Akpabio, many Nigerians, particularly from the North, see it as part of a broader pattern of suppressing female political participation.

On March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing what it described as violations of legislative decorum.

The Senate’s Ethics Committee accused her of engaging in unruly behavior, making disrespectful remarks against Senate leadership, and disregarding committee summonses.

She was specifically alleged to have refused to sit in her assigned seat, spoken without proper recognition, and made abusive comments—actions that were deemed violations of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended).

Before her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan had submitted a petition accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative functions.

READ ALSO: Lawmakers who faced the axe before Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

However, the Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, while Akpabio publicly denied the allegations.

Shortly after her petition was thrown out, the Senate announced her six-month suspension, leading to widespread speculation that the move was designed to silence her.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement on Saturday, dismissed the claims of bias, insisting that her suspension was solely due to her repeated misconduct and disregard for Senate rules.

“The public and media should disregard false narratives suggesting that her suspension was linked to her petition against the Senate President. The decision was necessary to restore order and maintain the integrity of the Senate,” he stated.

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Despite these explanations, the timing of her suspension has fueled skepticism among the public, opposition politicians, and civil society organizations.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongly condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, describing it as suppression of a female lawmaker’s voice.

“Women should be empowered to fully participate in governance, not stifled,” Atiku stated, arguing that the suspension undermines fairness, representation, and gender inclusivity in Nigerian politics.

READ ALSO: Senate Committee recommends six-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also criticized the Senate’s decision, calling it an unconstitutional move that undermines democracy and legislative independence.

Several women’s rights groups, including the Coalition for Women in Governance and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service, have threatened to mobilize for a nationwide protest if the suspension is not reversed.

Amid the backlash, the Federal Government announced plans to intervene in the crisis.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, described the situation as unfortunate and stressed the importance of protecting female representation in the Senate.

“In the last Assembly, we had nine female senators. We don’t want to see a decline in that number,” she said.

“We will work towards resolving this issue peacefully by engaging all stakeholders and urging them to temper justice with mercy.”

The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims is not the first of its kind in the Nigerian Senate.

One of the most infamous incidents occurred in July 2016, when a heated exchange between then-Senator Dino Melaye and Senator Oluremi Tinubu led to allegations of verbal assault.

Reports indicated that Melaye, representing Kogi West at the time, allegedly threatened to “beat up” and “impregnate” Tinubu, who was then representing Lagos Central.

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Tinubu, now Nigeria’s First Lady, accused Melaye of intimidation, claiming that he even attempted to physically attack her. Melaye, however, denied the allegations, arguing that his words were taken out of context. Despite public outrage, no disciplinary action was taken against him.

The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has reignited discussions about the challenges facing women in Nigerian politics.

Hajiya Fatima, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader in Kano, described the controversy as damaging to the image of female politicians.

“Allegations like this paint a negative picture of women in politics. It reinforces the wrong perception that women cannot handle leadership positions without facing harassment or intimidation,” she said.

READ ALSO: Senate cautions Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged disrespect for legislative rules

She recalled that during former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s tenure, his administration introduced policies to promote female political participation.

“During Ganduje’s time, women were given more opportunities. But things have changed now, and we need more policies to encourage women,” she added.

Similarly, Hajara Ado Alhaji, the NNPP Women Leader in Shanono Local Government Area, lamented the systemic discrimination against women in politics.

“I have been in politics for decades, but I still don’t know where I stand. The system favors those with connections, not those with capacity,” she said.

Hassan Ibrahim, a political analyst, described the controversy as a serious test for the integrity of the Senate and public confidence in Nigeria’s legislative system.

“This issue is not just about two individuals. It has the potential to cast a shadow over the entire Senate as an institution,” he said.

“When allegations like this emerge, especially involving the Senate President, it raises serious concerns about the sanctity of the Senate and the democratic process.”

Regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations, Ibrahim emphasized the need for transparency.

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“These are heavy allegations. Whether true or false, they need to be addressed urgently to clear any doubts and ensure that the institution remains credible,” he noted.

He also highlighted financial and cultural barriers as key obstacles preventing women from fully participating in politics.

“Politics in Nigeria is very expensive. The cost of nomination forms alone discourages many women. Even those who can afford it face internal party politics and favoritism,” he explained.

Ibrahim pointed out that while Northern Nigeria has fewer female politicians due to cultural norms, there have been recent strides in increasing female education and participation.

“Education is the foundation. More Northern women are now attending schools, but we need to do more to encourage their involvement in governance,” he said.