On a tense Tuesday morning, the gates of Nigeria’s National Assembly witnessed a scene straight from a political drama. Senator Natasha Akpoti, suspended by the Senate earlier this year, defied all odds and marched on foot into the legislative complex a bold protest against what she describes as institutional silencing and political witch-hunting.
Wearing her signature poise and confidence, Akpoti made a powerful entrance despite ongoing security hurdles. Her symbolic walk was more than just a protest, it was a resolute statement against patriarchal suppression and political bias.
“This isn’t just about me. It’s about every Nigerian who has been silenced unjustly,” she told reporters outside the Assembly complex.
Earlier in 2025, Akpoti was suspended for six months over what Senate leaders termed “unparliamentary behavior.” Her alleged infractions included accusations of misconduct and speaking without being recognized on the Senate floor.
But her supporters argue that the real reason lies in her sexual harassment accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a move that ignited national and international debate on gender rights in Nigerian governance.
In the wake of her suspension, social media erupted with the hashtag #WeAreAllNatasha, echoing a collective outcry from women’s groups, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders. The movement has gained momentum, calling for a review of women’s roles in Nigerian politics.
By storming the Senate grounds, Akpoti isn’t just staging a protest, she’s reclaiming her seat and putting the Senate leadership on notice. A court victory in June had already nullified her suspension, yet she was still reportedly locked out of proceedings until her dramatic return.
Her return signals a possible new chapter: a reinvigorated fight for institutional accountability, gender equity, and rule of law.
