The Nigerian Senate, as a key institution of democracy, is expected to foster inclusion, fairness, and equitable representation. However, the experiences of female senators such as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reveal the deep-rooted cultural stereotypes and gender biases that persist within the legislative body. Her recent accusations against the Senate leadership highlight not only the institutional hurdles faced by female politicians but also the broader issue of how cultural stereotypes shape power dynamics within Nigerian politics.
Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, born on December 9, 1979, in Ihima, Kogi State, Nigeria, has emerged as a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
As the first elected female senator from Kogi State, representing Kogi Central. Her political journey began with a senatorial bid in 2019 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Despite initial setbacks, her determination led her to contest again in 2023 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). After a protracted legal battle, the Court of Appeal in Abuja declared her the legitimate winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial Election on October 31, 2023.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, recently accused the Senate leadership of plotting to suspend her as part of a broader effort to suppress her voice. In an interview on Human Rights Radio, she detailed the consistent harassment and intimidation she has faced since joining the Senate.
“I know that right now, they are planning my suspension. If I am suspended, fine; it will not stop me from doing my work wherever I can,” Akpoti-Uduaghan declared.
Her concerns were heightened after a public confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding the reassignment of her seat in the chamber. She described the move as an attempt to alienate her and diminish her visibility during legislative proceedings.
“Changing my seat was just a way of silencing or alienating me from being seen. Sitting position is important. The nearer your seat is to the cameras, the better your chances of being called upon to contribute to debates,” she explained.
Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she had already been sitting at the back of the chamber but was recently moved to an even more isolated position. She noted that her new seat is in a corner where the cameras do not capture her, effectively limiting her visibility and participation.
Beyond physical relocation, she accused the leadership of systematically excluding her from major international engagements and denying her official travel privileges. She alleged that her name was removed from a United Nations event to which she had been nominated and claimed that she had to personally fund her international engagements.
“Every international event I have attended since last year has been self-sponsored. Whenever I see an event that is important to my constituents, Nigerian women, and the country, I buy my own tickets and fund my trips myself,” she revealed.
These actions reflect a broader pattern of exclusion that female politicians in Nigeria often face. Gender stereotypes in Nigerian politics often portray women as less capable or less authoritative compared to their male counterparts. This cultural bias can manifest in the form of institutional barriers, unequal access to opportunities, and public scrutiny that undermines women’s contributions to governance.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ordeal is not an isolated case. Another prominent female senator has faced similar challenges that reflect the institutional culture of gender bias. Senator Aisha Dahiru Binani, who represents Adamawa Central, also faced significant pushback during her political career. Despite her competence and dedication, her candidacy and eventual electoral victories were met with scepticism and resistance rooted in gendered perceptions of leadership.
During the 2023 gubernatorial elections, Binani made history by becoming the first female candidate to win the gubernatorial primaries under a major political party in Nigeria. However, her journey was marred by legal battles and challenges to her legitimacy, often fuelled by societal biases against female leadership. Her perseverance despite these challenges exemplifies the resilience of female politicians navigating a male-dominated landscape.
Both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Binani’s experiences highlight a troubling reality: female politicians in Nigeria often encounter systemic and cultural barriers that seek to undermine their authority and diminish their contributions. This reflects broader societal attitudes that view politics as a male domain, where women who assert themselves are seen as disruptors rather than legitimate power brokers.
The exclusionary practices faced by these senators underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms to promote gender equality within the Nigerian political system.
Ensuring that female lawmakers are granted the same rights, privileges, and visibility as their male counterparts is essential for a truly representative democracy. Furthermore, addressing the cultural stereotypes that perpetuate gender bias in politics is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable political environment. The challenges faced by Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Aisha Dahiru Binani are emblematic of the broader struggles encountered by women in Nigerian politics.
Their experiences serve as a call to action to dismantle the cultural stereotypes and institutional barriers that inhibit female participation and leadership. For Nigeria to achieve genuine democratic representation, it must embrace gender equality and create a political environment where all voices are heard and valued.
