On March 6, 2025, the Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months simply for speaking up. She dared to raise allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and instead of being heard, she was silenced.

This isn’t t just about Natasha. This is about all of us.

By suspending her, the Senate has also silenced the people of Kogi Central, stripping them of their constitutional right to representation. An attack on one voice in democracy is an attack on all voices.

If we allow this injustice to stand, who will be next?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE SUSPENSION?

•It Is unconstitutional. Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, meaning no one should be punished for speaking out, especially an elected leader.

•It denies the people of Kogi Central their right to representation. The Constitution (Section 14(2)(a) & (c)) clearly states that sovereignty belongs to the people and that their participation in government must be protected. But right now, over a million people have been robbed of their voice in the Senate.

•It violates a clear court ruling. In Ovie Omo-Agege v. Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ors (FHC/ABJ/CS/314/2018), the court ruled that no senator can be suspended for more than 14 days. The Senate has ignored the law and acted as if it is above the judiciary.

•It sends a dangerous message to women in politics. If a female senator can be punished for speaking up about sexual harassment, what does this say to young women aspiring to leadership? That they should stay silent? That their voices don’t matter?

This isn’t just an attack on one senator. It is an attack on democracy, women’s rights, and justice in Nigeria.

WHAT WE ARE DEMANDING 

1. Immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her suspension must be revoked without conditions because it is illegal, unjust, and undemocratic.

2. A transparent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations. The Nigerian Senate must not be a place where harassment is ignored and whistleblowers are punished.

3. An end to the misuse of suspensions for political suppression. No senator should be suspended as a way to silence dissent. This abuse of power must stop.

4. A call to all Nigerians and democracy advocates to stand up. We urge human rights defenders, legal experts, and democracy advocates both in Nigeria and beyond to speak out and demand accountability. The voices of the people must be louder than the forces of oppression.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Sign this petition. The more signatures we get, the more pressure we can put on decision-makers.

Share this far and wide. Use the hashtags #ShametheNass #ReinstateNatasha #SaveDemocracy on social media.

Tag the Nigerian Senate, senators, media, and human rights groups. Make them see this injustice.

Speak up. Talk about this issue, demand justice, and let your voice be heard.

This is about Natasha, but it is also about all of us.

If we let them get away with this today, what happens tomorrow?

Sign now. Raise your voice. Fight for justice.