Senator’s suspension after accusing boss of sexual harrassment sparks outrage

A shocking decision by the Nigerian Senate to suspend, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, after she filed a sexual harassment complaint against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has sparked widespread outrage.

Calls are growing for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension to be revoked.

She accused Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances toward her in 2023. In response to this, she was suspended, with her allowance and security detail removed for six months.

Akpabio has denied the allegations, insisting that he never sexually harassed Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He has also complained that he has been overwhelmed with phone calls on the matter.

The Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) has, however, thrown its weight behind Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The organisation’s Linda Masarira believes that the senator’s suspension sets a dangerous precedent that silences women in leadership and discourages them from speaking out against abuse.

“This is an orchestrated effort to intimidate women in politics and reinforce the patriarchal status quo that has long suppressed female participation in governance,” Masarira said.

“Instead of addressing the serious allegations of sexual harassment, the system has chosen to attack Senator Natasha’s character, personal life, and legitimacy as a leader.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension leaves the Nigerian Senate with only three women out of 109 members.

Masarira also expressed disappointment over the lack of support from the remaining female senators, highlighting the need for women in leadership to do more in consolidating power and fighting for collective justice.

He added that this should serve as a reminder that the fight is not just about one person, but about all women in Nigeria who continue to face discrimination, hostility, and exclusion.

Among the demands made by Masarira’s organisation are legislative reforms to protect women in politics and greater representation of women in decision-making spaces.

As someone who has faced difficult experiences, hearing about Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s boldness fills me with hope and strength.#IStandWithNatasha #WomenOfCourage #BreakTheSilence #InternationalWomensDay #WeWillNotBeSilenced pic.twitter.com/8fMdkCSJzD

— ….🙂 (@exxxcelll) March 9, 2025

senator natasha akpoti-uduaghan’s suspension sparks debates on gender, power & due process. rights groups call it retaliation; the senate cites misconduct. what does this mean for women in politics?

thanks to @lolamargaret_ & @AbdulMahmud01 for their insights.

link below.🙏 https://t.co/78ewzyqfNX

— p. ishaya is in his quiet era (@prospedro_) March 10, 2025

The pronouncements of the several High Court and the Court of Appeal on the illegality of the suspension of elected members of legislative houses in Nigeria, the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is the height of legislative recklessness.

— UGO JONATHAN (@Ugojona15) March 10, 2025

🤔The Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The Senate claimed she violated rules, barring her from office and allowances. Many see this as silencing women in politics🌚

— KingAsa 👑 (@KingAsa98) March 10, 2025

Do you know how crazy it is that what is happening to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could happen in your school, your church, your workplace, your hospital, your home, or your street—anywhere—and the outcome would still be the same? Do you know how wild that is?

— Ụlọma (@ulxma) March 6, 2025

The injustice shall not be sustained- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti

She stood on business and she will not stand alone!!!

The battle line has been drawn!!!

Equity and justice will always trump tyranny and injustice.
It just takes time!!!! pic.twitter.com/2jDABDHJnT

— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) March 6, 2025