Nigerian Senator Claims Cult-Like Control in Parliament Amidst Harassment Allegations

In a bold statement, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a suspended Nigerian senator, likened the Senate to a cult, suggesting a suffocating environment for dissenting voices, particularly regarding her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, recently suspended for six months after filing a petition regarding alleged harassment she faced from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claims the Nigerian Senate is run like a cult to suppress dissent. Speaking to the BBC, she expressed fears for her safety after losing her security detail, suggesting retribution for her allegations against a powerful figure. Akpabio has denied the claims and refuted her cult comparison, as the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan raises pressing issues about gender equality in Nigeria's patriarchy-dominated political landscape.

She recounted an incident in 2023 at Akpabio's residence, where she alleged he made suggestive comments and gestures towards her. Despite Akpabiou's office calling her assertions "completely false", Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the harassment continued with other inappropriate comments made in the presence of fellow senators. The six-month suspension was reportedly due to her disruptive behavior, even though her petition was dismissed for procedural errors.

In light of her situation, civil society organizations have rallied for an investigation, pointing to the scarce number of women in Nigerian politics and calling Akpoti-Uduaghan's case indicative of broader systemic issues. As the scandal unfolds, with polarizing support manifesting at protests and online, Akpoti-Uduaghan's struggle resonates with women across the nation, encouraging them to share similar experiences. Despite her hardships, she remains determined to challenge her suspension and bring attention to the critical need for change within political structures.