By Prosper Mene, April 08, 2025
Hundreds of women took to the streets of Abuja today, demanding justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose suspension from the Nigerian Senate has ignited a firestorm over sexism in politics. Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of just four female senators in the 109-member chamber, was barred from duties for six months without pay after accusing a senior colleague of sexual harassment. Outside the National Assembly, protesters waved signs reading “End the Silence” and chanted for reforms to safeguard women in public office.
The senator’s allegations, first aired in mid-March, have peeled back the curtain on Nigeria’s male-dominated political arena, where women occupy less than 4% of parliamentary seats—a stark outlier even among African nations. Activists say her punishment exemplifies a chilling pattern: women who challenge the status quo face swift retaliation. “This isn’t just about one senator—it’s a warning to all of us,” said Aisha Mohammed, a prominent women’s rights advocate. “They want us to conform or be crushed, but we’re fighting back.”
The backlash has drawn support from former female lawmakers, who recounted their own struggles with harassment and exclusion during their tenures. Their stories have fueled a bigger movement, with demonstrators calling for an independent probe into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims and a overhaul of Senate conduct rules. “I faced the same whispers, the same threats,” said ex-Senator Stella Oduah at the rally. “It’s time for accountability.”
Under pressure, Senate leadership announced a closed-door policy review, but many dismiss it as a hollow gesture. “We’ve seen promises before, nothing changes,” said protester Funmi Adebayo, a university student. “Women deserve more than token seats and silenced voices.”
Nigeria’s struggle with gender equity in governance is a pressing concern, with women facing significant barriers in politics and society. Despite being Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria has made slow progress in promoting women’s rights and representation.
