Gender Dynamics, Power Structures, and Accountability within Nigeria’s Political Landscape

power struggle
🕒 3 min read.

Nigeria’s political landscape is shaped by entrenched power structures, systemic gender disparities, and an accountability deficit. Despite constitutional provisions promoting gender equality, women in politics continue to face systemic barriers, including discrimination, harassment, and political marginalization. The recent high-profile conflict between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has ignited national and international discourse on the intersection of gender, power, and accountability within governance. The case not only highlights the challenges female politicians face but also underscores how power is wielded to silence dissent and obstruct justice.

Gender Dynamics in Nigerian Politics

Women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigeria’s political and legislative spaces. Despite comprising nearly 50% of the population, women hold less than 10% of legislative positions, a statistic that underscores the systemic exclusion of women from decision-making roles. The Akpoti-Uduaghan case has brought to the forefront several critical issues:

  • Sexual harassment and gender-based intimidation: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio highlight the prevalence of sexual harassment in politics, where powerful men often use their influence to undermine and intimidate female politicians.
  • Institutional and legal barriers: The dismissal of her petition based on a technicality rather than substantive investigation reflects a broader institutional reluctance to address gender-based grievances within governance structures.
  • Public perception and gender bias: The backlash faced by Akpoti-Uduaghan—including victim-blaming narratives and accusations of seeking attention—demonstrates how deeply ingrained gender stereotypes are used to discredit women in leadership.
  • Political consequences of speaking out: The swift retaliation, including her six-month suspension from the Senate, illustrates how institutions can be weaponized against female politicians who challenge male authority.

Power Structures and Political Retaliation

The case has also exposed the ways in which power structures are manipulated to shield political elites from accountability and suppress opposition. Key elements of this power play include:

  • Institutional control and procedural roadblocks: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on a procedural basis, avoiding an inquiry into the actual allegations and effectively shielding Akpabio from scrutiny.
  • Suspension as a political tool: By removing Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate for six months, the leadership effectively silenced her voice and prevented her from participating in legislative debates and decision-making.
  • Legal intimidation: The N251 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Unoma Akpabio against Akpoti-Uduaghan represents an attempt to deter her from continuing her accusations, reinforcing a broader pattern where litigation is used to silence critics rather than seek justice.
  • Judicial interference: Justice Obiora Egwuatu’s recusal from the case due to a petition from Akpabio raises concerns over judicial independence and the potential for political pressure to influence legal proceedings.

Accountability and the Rule of Law

This case underscores Nigeria’s longstanding challenge with accountability, particularly when allegations involve powerful political figures. Several factors contribute to the accountability crisis:

  • Weak institutional mechanisms: The absence of an independent investigative committee to probe allegations against public officials limits transparency and trust in governance.
  • Political interference in legal processes: The ability of politicians to influence legal and ethical proceedings undermines the rule of law, creating an environment where elites operate with impunity.
  • Selective justice and double standards: The swift suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan compared to the lack of consequences for Akpabio reflects a gendered imbalance in how disciplinary measures are applied.
  • International scrutiny and public advocacy: The involvement of civil society organizations and calls for intervention from international bodies such as the United Nations have brought global attention to the case, increasing pressure for accountability.

The Broader Implications

Beyond this specific case, the broader implications for Nigerian democracy, gender rights, and institutional integrity cannot be ignored. Key takeaways include:

  1. The need for legal and policy reforms – Strengthening laws against sexual harassment in politics and implementing clear investigative procedures for misconduct allegations.
  2. Strengthening judicial independence – Ensuring that judges can rule without fear of political retaliation is crucial for upholding justice.
  3. Institutionalizing protections for female politicians – Mechanisms such as anonymous reporting systems, gender-sensitive committees, and legal aid for whistleblowers must be established.
  4. Expanding civic engagement and public advocacy – Civil society organizations and international bodies should continue to push for transparency, accountability, and gender equality in Nigerian governance.

 

The Akpabio vs. Akpoti-Uduaghan case is emblematic of the deep-seated gender inequities, power struggles, and accountability challenges within Nigeria’s political system. It serves as both a warning and an opportunity—highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect women in politics, prevent abuse of power, and ensure that governance remains inclusive, just, and accountable. The resilience of figures like Akpoti-Uduaghan and the continued scrutiny from civil society and the international community may yet pave the way for a more equitable political landscape in Nigeria.

 

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