Abuja, Nigeria – In a shocking display of injustice, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has been suspended from the Nigerian Senate, days after bravely speaking out about alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This blatant act of political suppression is unacceptable, and Project HOPE, a flagship initiative of The People’s Project for Social and Climate Justice, joins voices across the nation in demanding justice.

The silencing of a female lawmaker who dared to expose abuse of power is a painful reminder of the barriers Nigerian women and girls face daily. It is a warning to all women and girls that if they speak out, they will be punished. This is not just Natasha’s fight, it is a fight for every woman and girl child who has been harassed, ignored, and forced into silence.

Senator Akpoti Uduaghan’s suspension was justified under the guise of a dispute over her seating arrangement, yet the Senate refused to fairly consider her harassment complaint. This is a dangerous precedent, one that emboldens abusers and discourages survivors from seeking justice.

As an organization dedicated to empowering girls and women to dare to lead, Project HOPE cannot remain silent. This issue goes beyond politics. It is about protecting the integrity of our democracy and ensuring safe spaces for women and girls.

We are joining our voice with all Nigerian women and girls to demand:

• An independent ethics committee to investigate the allegations fairly and transparently.
• Immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.
• Stronger legal protections for women in political and leadership spaces.

To all Nigerian women and girls, we say this: Your voice matters. Your dignity matters. We will not stop fighting for a country where no girl or woman is punished for standing up for herself. Our voices matter.

Senator Natasha’s fight is our fight. This injustice will not be sustained.