Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has described the Nigerian Senate as a “cult” where lawmakers are afraid to express different opinions for fear of being punished.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-member Senate, made these claims in an interview with the BBC. She also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.

The senator shared that the harassment took place at Akpabio’s home. She said he held her hand and squeezed it in a way that suggested inappropriate intentions. She also recalled another incident in the Senate chamber when Akpabio commented on her not wearing her wedding ring, implying it was an “invitation to treat.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan believes her suspension from the Senate on March 6, following an argument over her seat arrangement, was a way to silence her. She said, “I am being victimized. My suspension is meant to keep me quiet.“

However, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Senate’s deputy chief whip, denied all her claims. He stated that Akpabio never made any inappropriate advances or comments toward Akpoti-Uduaghan, either in his home or in the Senate chamber.

Nwaebonyi also dismissed her claim that the Senate is trying to silence her, saying her previous activities in the Senate prove otherwise.

This controversy has sparked discussions about gender representation and power dynamics in Nigerian politics.