By Suleiman Abdulmumin
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central senatorial district, has raised concerns about the extreme dangers associated with politics in Nigeria, particularly for women. Speaking at the ECOWAS Female Parliament Association’s spotlight initiative titled “Rethinking Women’s Proportional Representation in Governance: Case Study of Nigeria” on Monday, she highlighted the high costs and risks of politics in the country, which disproportionately affect women due to financial instability compared to men.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described politics in Nigeria as extremely dangerous, noting that women must adopt a tough character to survive. She expressed a desire for a less harsh political landscape, arguing that it forces women to forsake their nurturing nature. Sharing her personal experiences, she recounted how the violence she faced has made her more resilient, though she constantly reminds herself not to let these experiences change her fundamentally.
Addressing the financial burdens of running for office, she underscored the need for a more affordable electoral process and expressed interest in studying Liberia’s independent candidature system as a potential model for Nigeria. She also narrated her political journey since 2018, detailing the challenges, personal sacrifices, and physical hardships she endured, including surviving accidents.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the cultural and dignity-related challenges women face in Nigerian politics and urged male leaders to support and encourage women rather than using discouraging language. She advised women to be realistic in their political promises to avoid overburdening themselves, sharing how overpromising affected her health.
In conclusion, she mentioned her collaboration with Senator Ireti Kingibe to propose a bill aimed at achieving 45% women inclusion in governance, highlighting the ongoing fight for gender equity in Nigerian politics.