Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Calls Nigerian Senate a ‘Cult,’ Alleges Retaliation for Speaking Out

Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber is under scrutiny following explosive allegations from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claims the Senate operates like a “cult” where dissenting voices are silenced.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, expressed concerns over the Senate’s atmosphere, alleging that lawmakers refrain from opposing views due to fear of retaliation. Her comments come after her controversial suspension from the chamber on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct” following a seating arrangement dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During the interview, the senator reiterated accusations against Akpabio, alleging that he had sexually harassed her. She recounted an incident at his country home, stating that he squeezed her hand in a “suggestive way” while showing her around, with her husband present nearby.

“We women, we know what it means when a man suggestively squeezes our hands,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. She further alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate remarks, implying an opportunity for them to spend time together privately.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the inappropriate behaviour extended into the Senate chamber. She cited an instance where she forgot to wear her wedding ring and Akpabio, in the presence of other senators, remarked: “Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?”

Reacting to the claims, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, stating that Akpabio never made any inappropriate advances towards her, either in private or in the Senate chamber.

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“There was never a time Senate President Akpabio made sexual advances towards Senator Natasha,” Nwaebonyi told the BBC. He also rejected the senator’s assertion that the chamber was suppressing her voice, saying, “Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has fueled debates over the Nigerian Senate’s internal workings and treatment of dissenting voices. While the Senate insists on discipline and decorum, critics argue that the move to suspend her serves as a warning to other lawmakers who might challenge the status quo.

The allegations have sparked public discourse on accountability within Nigeria’s political institutions, with calls for an independent investigation into both the sexual harassment claims and the alleged culture of silence within the Senate.