NIGERIAN Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the country’s Senate of operating like a ‘cult’ after being suspended for six months, following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Speaking to the BBC in an exclusive interview, she said her suspension highlights the entrenched sexism in Nigeria’s political system.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended earlier this month after submitting a petition accusing Akpabio of harassment—allegations he strongly denies. His office also dismissed her description of the Senate as a cult, according to the BBC report.
Allegations of harassment spark outcry
The senator claims the harassment began in 2023 during a visit to Akpabio’s home with her husband. She alleges that Akpabio made inappropriate comments and physical gestures, including suggestively squeezing her hand and implying future encounters.
‘The Nigerian Senate operates like a cult,’ Akpoti-Uduaghan told the BBC. ‘There is no freedom of speech. Anyone who dares to challenge the Senate president gets cut to size.’
In response, Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi told the BBC that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims were unfounded, arguing her legislative activities disproved any notion she was being silenced. He also denied witnessing any misconduct during the alleged incidents.
Suspension raises safety fears
On 6 March, the Senate’s ethics committee suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for ‘unruly and disruptive’ behaviour. As a result, she lost access to her security detail, a move she says puts her and her two-year-old child in danger.
‘In Nigeria, people have been killed for speaking out,’ she told the BBC. ‘I fear for my life and my child’s safety.’
The senator’s claims have sparked a heated debate about gender equality in Nigeria’s conservative society. With just four women among 109 senators, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has drawn criticism from civil society groups and women’s rights advocates.
‘This is a sad day for Nigerian women fighting for representation,’ activist Hadiza Ado told the BBC.
Growing support and legal action
Despite facing intense online abuse, Akpoti-Uduaghan has received widespread support from women’s groups and fellow female politicians across Africa. She said many women have reached out privately to share similar experiences in their parliaments but are too afraid to speak publicly.
‘I am doing this for them,’ she said. ‘My story is the story of countless women in Nigeria who can’t find the courage to speak out.’
Akpoti-Uduaghan is now taking legal action to overturn her suspension and plans to resubmit her harassment petition. She told the BBC that, despite the emotional toll, she has no regrets.
Her case has reignited discussions on women’s representation and safety in Nigerian politics, with calls growing for a transparent investigation into her allegations.
