A coalition of civil society organizations has cautioned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against what it described as a politicization of her sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, warning that her approach could derail the legal process and undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
Led by the Independent Public Service and Accountability Watch (IPSAW) and the Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI), the coalition addressed a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, where it accused Senator Natasha of turning a serious allegation into what it termed “political theatre.”
Speaking on behalf of allied groups including the Allied Civil Society Organization (ACSO), Guardians of Democracy and Development, and the Forum of Progressive Youth Leaders (FPYL), Comrade Adeniran Taiwo Olugbenga and Comrade Stephen Eriba criticized the senator for allegedly shifting attention away from the core issue of sexual harassment to what they described as “emotionally charged and legally unfocused narratives.”
“This is not how democracy works. This is not how justice is pursued,” the coalition stated.
The groups acknowledged that the senator’s initial claim—accusing the Senate President of making demeaning and sexually suggestive remarks during a Senate session—was a serious matter deserving of thorough investigation. However, they expressed concern over her decision to resort to social media commentary, public drama, and defamation lawsuits instead of seeking redress under Nigeria’s sexual harassment legal framework.
“When you raise an allegation as profound as sexual harassment, especially against the nation’s third-highest-ranking official, the burden of proof is not a political inconvenience—it is a civic duty,” they said.
While recognizing the challenges women face in Nigerian politics, the coalition emphasized that genuine justice must be pursued through established legal channels and not through media campaigns or speculation. They warned that the current approach adopted by the senator could trivialize real cases of abuse and negatively affect the broader struggle for gender equity and democratic accountability.
“We refuse to allow the gains of gender equity and political decency to be sacrificed on the altar of personal sensationalism,” the coalition added.
They urged the senator to file a direct legal complaint under existing anti-harassment laws if her claims are genuine, rather than depending on vague public narratives and online commentary.
The civil society organizations also called on gender advocates, civic groups, and human rights defenders to remain committed to truth, justice, and due process, regardless of the individuals involved.
“No one should be silenced, but no one should be allowed to hijack the moral weight of real struggles for personal gamesmanship,” they noted.
The coalition concluded by stating that the matter transcends individual interests, and is about protecting Nigeria’s democratic values, the integrity of public complaint mechanisms, and the sanctity of the judiciary.
“Senator Natasha still has the opportunity to restore the integrity of her cause. But the clock is ticking,” they warned.