Pius Nsabe
Prominent political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has thrown her weight behind Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that the embattled lawmaker has every right to resume her legislative duties at the National Assembly.
Speaking on the Channels TV programme Sunrise Daily, Yesufu declared her readiness to stand alongside Senator Natasha, saying, “Senator Natasha has the right to resume office. She is not going to resume alone tomorrow; we are going to go with her. And if the Senate decides that they are going to kill us, let them kill us because, at the end of the day, they’ve shown us that we (women) are not wanted.”
Senator Natasha’s return has been a topic of heated political debate following the court ruling that upheld her election victory. However, reports suggest that certain forces within the Senate have attempted to delay or block her resumption, prompting widespread outrage from her supporters and advocates for women’s representation in politics.
Yesufu’s comments reflect the growing sentiment among women’s rights groups and political activists, who view Natasha’s case as a litmus test for gender equity in Nigeria’s governance. “This is not just about Senator Natasha; this is about every Nigerian woman who has been told, directly or indirectly, that she doesn’t belong in leadership,” Yesufu added during the programme.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Kogi Central senator have vowed to accompany her to the National Assembly to ensure her smooth resumption. Civil society organisations and advocacy groups are also mobilising to raise awareness about what they describe as systemic attempts to marginalise female politicians.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her outspoken stance on governance and social justice, has become a symbol of resilience and determination in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Her anticipated return to the Senate is expected to reignite conversations about women’s participation in leadership and the barriers they face.