The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has led to heated discussions about the role of women in Nigerian politics. Many believe her suspension was a response to her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while others argue it was due to her conduct in the Senate.
On March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, accusing her of breaking Senate rules. According to the Senate’s ethics committee, she displayed unruly behavior, spoke without permission, and made disrespectful remarks. They stated that these actions violated the Senate’s Standing Orders.
Before her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan had submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power. However, the Senate dismissed her claims, saying they did not follow proper procedures. Akpabio denied all allegations, stating he had never harassed her or any female senator.
Her suspension came shortly after she made the allegations, leading many Nigerians to suspect it was a retaliatory move to silence her. Opposition politicians, activists, and civil society groups criticized the decision, calling it unfair and a threat to democracy.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the suspension, describing it as suppression. Atiku argued that women should be encouraged to participate in governance, not silenced.
Women’s rights organizations, including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), called the suspension unconstitutional and harmful to democracy. Some groups threatened to organize protests if the decision was not reversed.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, expressed concern, stating that Nigeria already has too few female senators, and this situation could discourage more women from joining politics.
This incident highlights the difficulties women face in Nigerian politics. Female politicians often encounter harassment, intimidation, and systemic barriers that limit their participation.
Hajiya Fatima, a women leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC), said such controversies discourage women from joining politics, especially in Northern Nigeria, where cultural and religious factors already pose challenges.
Similarly, Hajara Ado Alhaji, a politician with decades of experience, lamented that favoritism and party politics make it difficult for women to advance. She noted that political success often depends more on connections than on competence.
Political analyst Hassan Ibrahim described the Akpoti-Uduaghan controversy as a serious issue that affects the credibility of the Senate. He stressed that sexual harassment allegations in politics must be handled carefully to maintain public trust.
Ibrahim also pointed out that the financial cost of politics in Nigeria is a major challenge for women. The high cost of nomination forms and internal party politics often discourage female candidates.
Beyond financial barriers, women also face intimidation and threats, making it difficult for them to remain active in politics. In Northern Nigeria, cultural and educational limitations further reduce female participation in governance.
To increase female representation in politics, Ibrahim suggested that political parties should set aside positions for women and consider reducing nomination fees for female candidates. He also emphasized the importance of education and economic empowerment for women.
He praised efforts like Jigawa State’s policy of providing free education for girls, stating that such initiatives will help more women compete for leadership positions.
