Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar unleashed a scathing critique of Nigerian leaders, accusing them of stifling women’s potential, with the Senate’s six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) as Exhibit A. Speaking through his media adviser Paul Ibe, Atiku tied the Thursday decision sparked by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rejection of a reassigned seat and her live-TV sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to a broader failure to empower women. “Any society that doesn’t give women opportunities to thrive is failing,” he declared, calling the suspension an “attack on affirmative action.”
Atiku didn’t hold back: “No investigation, just punishment. Half our population is women, yet we’re underutilizing them whether in politics or business. With International Women’s Day tomorrow, this raises red flags.” The timing stings Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ban, enacted despite a court order barring a Senate probe into her alleged misconduct, has ignited a firestorm. Legal experts have already branded it unconstitutional, and now political heavyweights are piling on.
Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, echoed the dismay via Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement. “The situation is quite disappointing,” he said, joining the chorus decrying the Senate’s move. Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor took aim at Akpabio, slamming his refusal to step aside for an independent probe into the harassment claims. “He’s no man of integrity,” Osadolor fumed. “Suspending Natasha for six months is shameful a gang-up to silence her using state power.”
Osadolor didn’t spare opposition lawmakers either, accusing them of cowardice. “They stayed silent to curry favor with Akpabio, afraid to be labeled rebels. It’s a disgrace.” He framed Akpoti-Uduaghan as a symbol sister, wife, daughter silenced by a boys’ club flexing bureaucratic muscle. Yet, he added, “Natasha’s made her point. The majority may win today, but the minority will have their day.”
The saga began February 20, 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested her seat reassignment, escalating into a harassment petition against Akpabio. Her suspension, following her refusal to face the Ethics Committee amid a court injunction, has X buzzing. “We’re not a Banana Republic,” an ex-chief whip tweeted, echoing a sentiment gaining traction. Users are split some see her as a troublemaker, others a martyr for women’s voices.
Atiku’s critique lands hard: Nigeria’s development hinges on unleashing its women, yet the Senate’s actions suggest resistance. Obi’s disappointment and Osadolor’s fury amplify the stakes this isn’t just about one senator; it’s a litmus test for gender equity and democratic integrity. As Akpoti-Uduaghan vows to keep serving Kogi Central despite the ban, her defiance resonates. “The principles of fairness are under siege,” she said, and on X, the debate rages: Is this legislative overreach or overdue discipline? Either way, Nigeria’s women and its conscience are watching.
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