Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is pushing back against her suspension from the Senate, citing concerns over her safety and a lack of security protection.
Featuring on the BBC, she expressed fear for her life, especially as a mother of a two-year-old. “If I’m taking my kid for a walk, will I be killed? Will I be attacked?” she asked, highlighting the dangers faced by outspoken critics of the government.
Her suspension has sparked outrage among civil society groups and women’s rights activists, who demand a transparent investigation into her allegations.
Hadiza Ado, an advocate for women’s empowerment, described the situation as a setback for gender representation in politics. “Out of 109 senators, only four are women, and now one is suspended,” she said.
Public reaction to the suspension has been sharply divided. Protesters gathered outside the National Assembly in Abuja, with one group supporting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and another calling for his removal, chanting, “Akpabio must go.” Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced misogynistic attacks online since speaking out.
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Her political journey has been fraught with challenges. In 2019, while running for governor of Kogi State, she claimed her candidacy was questioned due to her mixed-race heritage. Despite making it to the ballot, she endured physical and verbal attacks during her campaign. In 2023, she contested a Senate seat but lost in an election marred by violence.
After a legal battle, the result was overturned, marking a victory she believed would end her struggles.
“But for a woman, I guess it’s never really over, right? It’s just different parts, different chapters,” she reflected.
Determined to clear her name, she has taken legal steps to overturn her suspension and intends to push forward with her sexual harassment claims against a fellow senator.
Despite the toll on her, she remains resolute, encouraged by support from her husband, child, and female politicians across Africa.
“I receive calls daily from women in other parliaments who face the same thing but can’t speak up,” she said. “They tell me, ‘Natasha, do this for us.’ My story is the story of many Nigerian women who lack the courage to speak.”
Reported by BBC.
