In a bold and provocative statement, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has likened the Nigerian Senate to a "cult," asserting that lawmakers are stifled by an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. This claim, made during an interview with the BBC on March 18, 2025, has reignited discussions about the state of democracy and freedom of expression within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber. Her remarks come in the wake of her six-month suspension from the Senate, a decision she attributes to her outspoken criticism of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she has accused of sexual harassment.
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A Climate of Silence in the Senate
Senator Natasha’s characterization of the Senate as a "cult" stems from her observation that many lawmakers refrain from voicing dissenting opinions due to the risk of retaliation. "The Nigerian Senate operates like a cult. The Senate President runs the Senate like a dictator, not a democrat. There is no freedom of speech, there is no freedom of expression, and anyone who dares to go against him gets cut to size," she told the BBC. This vivid analogy paints a picture of an institution where conformity is enforced, and independent thought is suppressed.
Her comments shed light on the internal dynamics of the 109-member Senate, where only four women currently serve. As one of these rare female voices, Natasha has positioned herself as a whistleblower, challenging what she describes as a systemic effort to silence dissent. Her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, followed a series of confrontations with Akpabio, including a dispute over her seating arrangement and her allegations of misconduct against him. She argues that this punishment is a direct consequence of her refusal to stay quiet.
The Backdrop: Sexual Harassment Allegations
The controversy surrounding Senator Natasha intensified when she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexually harassing her. She detailed specific incidents, including one at Akpabio’s country home where he allegedly squeezed her hand suggestively while her husband trailed behind. Another instance involved a comment made in the Senate chamber about her waist movements, which she described as sexist and inappropriate. "He makes very sexist statements, then they [senators] all laugh," she recounted, highlighting a culture she believes normalizes such behavior.
Akpabio has vehemently denied these allegations, with his office dismissing them as "completely false." Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi also refuted Natasha’s claims, asserting that her legislative activities contradict the notion that she is being silenced. Despite these denials, the accusations have sparked a national conversation about gender dynamics and power imbalances in Nigerian politics, particularly in a chamber dominated by men.
Suspension: Retribution or Procedure?
Natasha’s suspension was officially attributed to "gross misconduct" and "unruly behavior," stemming from an altercation over her reassigned seat in the Senate. The Senate’s ethics committee recommended the six-month ban, barring her from the National Assembly premises and stripping her of privileges like security and allowances. However, Natasha contends that this disciplinary action is a thinly veiled attempt to punish her for speaking out. "This was orchestrated to silence my voice," she declared, calling it an "assault on democracy."
Legal experts and activists have questioned the Senate’s authority to suspend a sitting member, citing past court rulings that deem such actions unconstitutional. Cases like Honourable Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009) and Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018) established that legislative chambers cannot arbitrarily remove elected representatives. Natasha has already taken her case to court, seeking to overturn the suspension, and plans to resubmit her harassment petition to the Senate.
A Broader Fight for Women’s Voices
Beyond her personal battle, Senator Natasha frames her struggle as a stand for Nigerian women who face similar silencing tactics. "I have gotten calls on a daily basis from women connecting with me and telling me they are experiencing the same thing in their parliament, but they can’t speak up," she said. Her defiance has resonated with women’s rights groups and supporters, who have rallied under the banner "We are all Natasha" in protests across states like Lagos and Kaduna.
The senator’s plight underscores Nigeria’s low female representation in politics—only four women in the Senate and 17 in the 360-member House of Representatives. Her suspension has been decried as a setback for gender equality, with activists like Hadiza Ado calling it "a sad day for Nigerian women fighting for emancipation." The controversy has also drawn international attention, with Natasha addressing her case at a United Nations forum, urging global intervention.
Public and Political Reactions
The saga has polarized opinions. Supporters laud Natasha’s courage, viewing her as a beacon of resistance against a patriarchal system. "She’s exposed the cowardice in the National Assembly," one observer noted, praising her for confronting a powerful figure like Akpabio. Critics, however, argue that her approach—going public with allegations rather than pursuing internal channels—has escalated tensions unnecessarily. Pro-Akpabio demonstrators have countered her supporters with their own protests, reflecting the deep divisions this issue has unearthed.
Online, keywords like "Nigerian Senate cult," "Natasha suspension," and "Akpabio harassment" are trending, signaling widespread public interest. The Senate’s vote of confidence in Akpabio on March 13, 2025, despite the allegations, has only fueled the debate, with some accusing lawmakers of closing ranks to protect their leader.
What’s Next for Natasha and the Senate?
As of March 19, 2025, Senator Natasha remains undeterred. She has vowed to continue serving her constituents despite the suspension, leveraging her legal challenge and public platform to keep the pressure on. The outcome of her court case could set a precedent for legislative accountability in Nigeria, while her allegations against Akpabio test the Senate’s willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
For now, her description of the Senate as a "cult" has struck a chord, amplifying calls for transparency and reform. Whether this marks a turning point for Nigeria’s legislative body or deepens its entrenched power struggles remains to be seen. As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has ignited a fire that won’t be easily extinguished—one that challenges not just the Senate, but the broader culture of silence in Nigerian governance.
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