The affirmation of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the duly elected senator for Kogi Central represents a win in the advocacy for the protection of women’s political rights in Africa.
Development Diaries reports that by virtue of the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan is the first woman in the history of the north-central state to be elected senator.
The appellate court upheld the decision of the Kogi State National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which had previously declared Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the genuine winner of the February National Assembly poll.
She has faced several forms of intimidation and harassment in her political journey in the state. As a governorship candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2019, she was reportedly attacked and harassed by thugs.
Also, hoodlums suspected to be political thugs invaded the state secretariat of the SDP five days before the governorship election and razed it down.
In December 2022, it was reported that political thugs attacked Akpoti-Uduaghan’s campaign team during her rally from Okene to Adavi, injuring several people and shooting one.
No doubt, intimidation of women in politics in Nigeria remains a persistent and troubling issue.
Despite advances in gender equality and the adoption of policies aimed at promoting women’s participation in politics, many women politicians like Akpoti-Uduaghan continue to face various forms of intimidation and discrimination.
Indeed, Akpoti-Uduaghan deserves commendation for her courage, determination, and resilience. Her victory is a win in the fight for the protection of women’s political rights and also a motivation for other women in politics.
The senator-elect now has a great opportunity to work for the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASC) alongside other promises of proper representation of the people of Kogi Central.
Development Diaries congratulates the incoming senator and calls on her to ensure that the people of her constituency get better representation in the tenth senate.
Photo source: Natasha Akpoti