By Adeniyu Yusuf
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi have voiced their support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as part of the celebration of International Women’s Day 2025.
Also, some women groups have called for justice for the embattled senator.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had formally submitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio. The petition was presented on the floor of the Senate after the upper legislative chamber resumed plenary.
In response, Akpabio denied the allegations, asserting that he had not harassed Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other female senator. He urged Nigerians to refrain from making premature judgements.
The controversy deepened when the Upper Chamber suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for a total violation of the Senate Standing Rules. However, many Nigerians, including the opposition party, have condemned her suspension
Speaking on this occasion, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar released a statement advocating for women’s rights, emphasising the need for greater empowerment and inclusion of women in governance.
Atiku shared this in a statement on X.com on Saturday as he celebrated International Women’s Day.
Atiku stated, “On this special occasion of International Women’s Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the resilient, hardworking, and courageous women of Nigeria.
The former vice president voiced concern over the persistent suppression of women’s voices in leadership positions in Nigeria, highlighting the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a notable example.
Atiku state, “It is deeply concerning that in a democratic society, attempts are still being made to silence the voices of women in leadership. The recent suspension of Senator #NatashaAkpoti is an unfortunate example of such suppression, which undermines the principles of fairness, representation, and gender inclusivity.
“Women must be encouraged and empowered to participate fully in governance, not stifled when they dare to lead.”
He stressed saying, “A nation can only progress when its women are given the space and opportunity to thrive.”
In his response, the former governor of Anambra State painted a stark picture of the state of women’s rights in Nigeria, highlighting how women, despite their immense resilience, continue to be trapped in cycles of poverty.
In his statement, Obi highlighted the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, describing the political system as a “brutal reality for women” which not only resists their inclusion but actively works to push them out.
“Even for the few women who break through these systemic barriers and secure positions of power, the challenges are relentless,” he wrote.
“Senator Ireti Kingibe and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are just two examples of women who, despite their electoral victories, continue to face the harshest forms of discrimination and hostility in our public space,” he added.
However, in an interview with The New Daily Prime, the Convener and Director-General of Ojo Women Action for Political Actualization, Barrister Oluyomi Coker condemned totally the process of the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the senate describing it as a shameful shenanigan.
She said, “Where an accused person is allowed to rule over a matter is been accused of where is this done? Where two hefty men were assigned to command a female senator out of the hallow chamber?
“It is evident that equity, justice and fair hearing has been throw over board in the senate and should be condemned by all well-meaning women in the country. The determination of this matter will either mar or make more women to participate in politics in Nigeria and to a great extent this is why the female representation at the senate and other legislature is dwindling fast.”
Also, Hajia Nike AbdulRahman, National Convener of Women Advocacy for Good Governance and a Cultural and Heritage Value Advocate, has condemned the suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate.
AbdulRahman, in a statement made available to NAN on Saturday in Akure, said that the action undermined the principles of justice and fair hearing,
According to her, the action will set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of women who bravely came forward to speak out against abuse and misconduct.
“The swift suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan raises serious concerns about the Senate’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of its members.
“By silencing a voice calling for accountability, the Senate leadership is not only failing Akpoti-Uduaghan, but also millions of women across Nigeria who look to our legislative institutions for support and justice.
“In light of these troubling developments, the Senate must act swiftly to reinstate Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ensuring she can represent her constituents without fear of retribution.
“This is not only a matter of justice for her, but also the fundamental right of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone,” AbdulRahman said.
The national convener, who called for independent investigations, said Akpabio must step aside to facilitate an impartial and transparent investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment.
According to her, an independent probe is essential to restore public confidence in the Senate and to ensure that justice is served without interference.
AbdulRahman also said the Senate should implement comprehensive policies and procedures to safeguard individuals who report misconduct, while all allegations should be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
She, therefore, called on the Senate leadership to address broader issues of accountability and integrity within its ranks.
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