By Mabel Adinya Ade
The recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have exposed the deeply entrenched gender-based violence (GBV) and the systemic marginalization of women in Nigerian politics. These allegations, if proven, not only highlight individual misconduct but also reflect the toxic environment that continues to suppress women’s political participation in Nigeria.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s brave stand against this abuse of power is a defining moment in the fight for gender equality. Instead of addressing these serious allegations with the gravity they deserve, certain individuals including women have chosen to shame and silence her. This is unacceptable. Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF) and I, Mabel Adinya Ade, strongly condemn this attempt to stifle a bold, progressive leader and brilliant senator who has become the pride of women in the Senate.
Nigeria’s Shameful Gender Disparity in Politics
Despite women constituting almost half of Nigeria’s population, their representation in governance is alarmingly low. Out of 360 members in the House of Representatives, only 16 are women. In the 109-member Senate, only four women hold seats. Worse still, 14 out of Nigeria’s 36 states have no female lawmakers at all.
Globally, Nigeria ranks 180th out of 185 countries in women’s political representation, making it the worst performer in Sub-Saharan Africa. Countries like Rwanda (61% female parliamentarians), Senegal (54%), and South Africa (47%) have made significant progress in gender inclusion, and this has translated into stronger economies, better policies, and inclusive governance. The evidence is clear: nations that include women in leadership experience faster and more sustainable development.
The Multiplier Effect of Gender Exclusion on Nigeria’s Development
Nigeria’s failure to embrace gender parity has far-reaching consequences:
- Stagnation in Policy Development: Women’s underrepresentation means that issues affecting half the population—such as maternal health, economic empowerment, and GBV—are often overlooked.
- Loss of Economic Growth: Studies show that closing the gender gap in leadership could increase Nigeria’s GDP by 23% by 2025.
- Continued GBV and Disenfranchisement: When women in leadership face harassment and intimidation, what happens to poor, marginalized women with no platform to speak out?
What Message Are We Sending to the World?
By allowing such blatant harassment and intimidation, Nigeria is reinforcing the image of a nation that does not value women’s contributions, rights, or safety. This weakens our global standing and contradicts international commitments such as the Beijing Declaration (1995), the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Demand Gender Equity Now!
We cannot remain silent while brave women like Senator Natasha are ridiculed for speaking up. The National Assembly must be held accountable for the hostility and hate speech directed at women leaders. It is disgraceful that a few women have chosen to side with oppressors rather than defend their own rights. This culture of silence and complicity must end.
For the safety and dignity of our daughters and future generations, we must: demand gender-sensitive policies and affirmative action for women’s leadership.
Call for immediate investigations into the harassment allegations against Senator Akpabio.
Reject all forms of intimidation against women in politics.
Gender equality is not a favor it is a right. Nigeria will never reach its full potential unless we recognize, respect, and empower women.
Mabel Adinya Ade
Founder and Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF)
Writing from AAF Office, 8 Eket Close, Area 8, Garki, Abuja
