At the Inter Parliamentary Union meeting held as a side event during the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan took the stage to voice a deep concern over her suspension from the National Assembly.

Her case is not an isolated one. It is a reminder of the persistent challenges women face in politics, especially in male-dominated legislative bodies where power struggles often target female politicians. Senator Natasha’s suspension, based on the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, raises critical questions about the fairness of legislative procedures, gender bias in politics and the silencing of dissenting voices.

Senator Natasha described the committee’s decision as lacking fairness and due process, emphasising that she was not given a fair hearing.

For many, her case reflects a larger systemic issue where women in politics often face institutional harassment, political intimidation, and targeted suppression. Across Africa, female politicians have faced similar politically motivated obstacles. Reports from the Human Rights Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) confirm this troubling pattern.

By bringing her case to an international audience, Senator Natasha not only highlighted the injustice she faced but also underscored the broader struggle of women in political leadership worldwide. If women parliamentarians continue to be sidelined, how can we achieve true democracy and representation?

Senator Natasha’s suspension is more than just a personal battle—it is a test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It is a moment for citizens, activists, and the international community to ask: Is Nigeria truly committed to fairness, justice and gender inclusivity?

If Nigerian women—who make up nearly 50 per cent of the population—continue to be systematically excluded from decision-making through political intimidation, then the promise of democracy remains incomplete. It is time to demand accountability, challenge undemocratic processes, and push for reforms that protect the rights of elected officials—regardless of gender.

Senator Natasha was right to seek help from an international organisation. Nigeria’s judicial system is weak and corrupt, making it difficult for people to get justice, no matter how strong their case.

We may recall that Senator Natasha approached the Federal High Court, seeking an order to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her, and she won the case. However, the committee ignored the ruling, went ahead with the investigation, denied her a hearing, concluded its report, and implemented the suspension.

How can justice be delivered at the speed of light without due process? Where else in the world does this happen? This is a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

In previous court judgments involving Senators Ali Ndume and Ovie Omo-Agege, the court ruled that their suspensions violated sections 68 and 69 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended). Yet, the Senate continues to ignore court rulings when it comes to suspending its members.

Who holds the Senate accountable when it violates the law?

Even within the Senate’s own rules, the suspension of a legislator cannot exceed 14 days (as stated in Rule 67(4)). So why was Senator Natasha suspended for six months?

This is not just about one senator; it is about respect for the rule of law in a democratic system. Without it, progress and development remain impossible.

Some argue that Senator Natasha’s appeal to the UN undermines the independence of Nigeria’s Parliament. But this claim is misleading.

Her case was taken up by the Human Rights Committee of the IPU, which investigates illegal actions by national parliaments and seeks justice through national courts. The IPU has handled similar cases across multiple countries, many of which led to successful resolutions.

Senator Natasha did not bypass Nigeria’s legal system—she only sought intervention after exhausting all options within the country.

Some insist that her case is not about gender based violence but about violating Senate rules. However, it is undeniable that she faced sexual harassment and political intimidation,  therefore we hope that the IPU Human Rights Committee will listen to both sides and take action. 

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Senator Natasha’s fight is not just about her suspension—it is about defending the rights of all women in politics. If we allow this injustice to stand, we are setting a dangerous precedent that could silence many more voices in the future.

The question remains: Will Nigeria stand for justice, or will it continue down a path of political exclusion and impunity.

 

Baba  Abdullahi Machina, babamachina1990@gmail.com