The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is under scrutiny following his recent remarks about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been suspended for six months. Speaking at an event commemorated for International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, Akpabio characterized Akpoti-Uduaghan's allegations against him as 'useless' and attributed them to changes made to her seat and committee assignments.
The controversy erupted after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of inappropriate conduct. Since her suspension, Akpabio claims he has faced significant emotional distress due to the situation. He stated, “It was only yesterday I realized what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up,” referring to the alleged timing correlational to her seat change within the Senate.
The shift, which occurred on December 8, 2023—just one day before Akpabio's birthday—marked, according to him, the beginning of serious allegations against his character. 'From December 8, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even her husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment—until her committee was changed, and then her seat was changed,” he elaborated.
Akpabio’s assertion has drawn sharp criticism from various political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who have cautioned the Senate against fostering a toxic political climate for women. Notably, Akpabio’s claims ignore the broader discussions around women's rights and the harsh realities they face within political structures.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, celebrated as the 'Star Girl of the year' on the same International Women’s Day she faced these challenges, is acknowledged for her fierce advocacy for women’s rights and human dignity. Known for her trailblazing efforts, Akpoti-Uduaghan has become symbolically significant above mere political strife.
Her distinguished career began with her law education, leading her to establish herself as an advocate against economic injustices. Notably, she founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program to bolster local manufacturing and has fervently campaigned for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Nigeria’s largest steel plant.
Her political tenure includes running for governor of Kogi State under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2019 and winning the Kogi Central Senatorial seat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the recent elections. Despite these successes, she has continued to encounter fierce resistance from Senate leadership, particularly from Akpabio, who questions her motives amid the Senate inquiries.
"Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by the same woman to others she has accused? None have been proven so far," Akpabio questioned. His statements not only reflect his defense but also position Akpoti-Uduaghan as the aggressor of the Senate scandal, which has repercussions for women's representation and advocacy at large.
Despite these claims of trauma inflicted upon Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan has emerged as a champion of justice and voices for marginalized communities, focusing on inclusive governance and accountability. Her defiance against the status quo signifies her dedication to social equity—traits she holds sacred especially as she combats sexism and backtracking policies within the government.
Today, Akpoti-Uduaghan is not just participating; she symbolizes the cry for fairness from within Nigeria’s patriarchal structures. She has rekindled discourse around women's empowerment, leading initiatives to support young girls through scholarships and mentorships.
Her advocacy positions her as both a political leader and societal icon. By standing firm against Akpabio’s claims and various Senate pressures, she showcases resilience characteristic of women fighting for equal rights against formidable odds.
Her story is emblematic of the struggles many women encounter within political arenas, where their authenticity, ambition, and integrity come under scrutiny. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contributions to her community and to the nation have turned personal battles against gender discrimination and injustice, establishing her as more than merely political fodder.
The upcoming months will likely be pivotal for both Akpabio, as he maintains his stance against women’s collective experiences, and Akpoti-Uduaghan, who stands at the forefront of advocating for those voices often silenced. The situation echoes the broader fight for women's rights within Nigerian politics where opposition and governmental structures often contrive to suppress female voices.
To conclude, both figures reflect the contrasting narratives within Nigeria's political environment: one advocating for accountability and justice, the other defending contested legacies and institutional privilege. The current crisis provides fertile ground for discussions around equality and the systemic shifts needed to fortify women's roles not only within politics but throughout society.