A coalition of women-led organisations has come down hard on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing her recent conduct as unbecoming, contemptuous, and a national disgrace to the cause of women in leadership across Nigeria.
The groups — Coalition for Democratic Women in Leadership, led by Ambassador Sarah Bulus, and the Northern Women Integrity Forum, headed by Hajia Amina Suleiman — issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning what they termed as Senator Natasha’s “relentless slights against the system” and her “unrestrained contempt for constituted authority.”
The groups, which represent a cross-section of women advocates and democratic stakeholders in northern Nigeria, said they were deeply appalled by the senator’s “grotesque stain on the credibility and dignity of Nigerian women.”
“Natasha’s actions are despicable, non-dignifying, and stand as a poor representation of Nigerian women in leadership,” the statement read. “She has continuously chosen the path of confrontation rather than constructive engagement.”
The backlash follows a recent court verdict that found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court and imposed a fine on her — a judgment the groups say “validates her long history of defiance and unrepentant recalcitrance.”
“No one is above the law, and Natasha’s repeated brushes with legal institutions reflect a disturbing pattern of impunity,” said Ambassador Bulus. “For someone elected to represent the people, it is unfortunate that her legacy is fast becoming a case study in arrogance and institutional disrespect.”
The women leaders stressed that their criticism was not political but moral and principled.
“We are not speaking out because she is a political opponent or from another party,” added Hajia Suleiman. “We are raising our voices because she is a woman, like us, who is bringing ridicule to the values we stand for — integrity, respect, dignity, and responsible leadership.”
According to them, Natasha’s disposition is “diametrically opposed to the values many Nigerian women have spent decades fighting to instill in the public space — transparency, humility, and service above ego.”
The Coalition warned that if women in public office continue to behave in such a manner, it could set back decades of advocacy for gender parity in governance.
“When one woman fails this way, society unfairly judges us all. That is why we cannot remain silent,” they said.
Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has yet to officially respond to the court’s ruling or the backlash from the women’s groups. However, her supporters have often defended her as “a bold voice against oppression,” even as critics say she frequently crosses the line of decorum and due process.
Meanwhile, civil society groups are calling for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to either tender a public apology or face continued resistance from fellow women who feel betrayed by her actions.
As one member of the coalition concluded:
“Leadership is not about ego or grandstanding. It is about humility, service, and respect for the rule of law. Natasha must wake up to this truth before she drags the rest of us further into disrepute.”
