Nigeria’s Deeply Entrenched Patriarchy Undermines Democracy and Stifles Progress
Nigeria’s political system continues to be dominated by a pervasive patriarchal structure that stifles progress and disregards the rule of law. This deeply ingrained culture of male dominance manifests in numerous ways, from suppressing women’s participation in governance to undermining young, competent men in positions of authority. The case of Senator Natasha Akpoti serves as a stark illustration of these systemic issues. The Unjust Suspension of Senator Natasha AkpotiDespite being duly elected, Natasha Akpoti was unjustly suspended without pay for months, in direct defiance of court orders. This action was not based on seniority or merit but was a blatant attempt to silence her voice.
The move revealed a deeply entrenched system that refuses to acknowledge women as equals, even in a democratic institution like the Senate.Further complicating the issue is the Senate’s internal practice of allocating funds and resources based on seniority rather than responsibility or merit.
This outdated hierarchy disproportionately benefits established male figures while sidelining newer members, especially women. Such practices not only hinder the legislative process but also ensure that traditional power structures remain intact, effectively barring women from wielding influence in governance.
The Influence of Traditional Power StructuresBeyond the Senate, the undue influence of traditional and religious leaders on elected officials exacerbates Nigeria’s democratic shortcomings. These so-called “elders” exert control over governors and senators, shaping policies and decisions to suit their interests rather than those of the people. This dynamic reinforces a patriarchal order where deference to established male authority is expected and required. As a result, young, progressive leaders—both men and women—find themselves navigating a system where genuine accountability is replaced by political patronage.
This suppression of emerging voices, particularly women like Natasha Akpoti, stymies national progress. The deliberate obstruction of Akpoti’s advocacy for the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex exemplifies this. The steel complex, which is 90% complete, has been abandoned for over 30 years, despite Nigeria spending over $10 billion annually on steel imports. For over a decade, Akpoti has campaigned tirelessly to persuade the Senate to revive the project.
Yet, her efforts have been largely ignored, reflecting a broader resistance to women challenging the status quo and pushing for meaningful economic progress.Misrepresentation and Character AssassinationAdding to the challenges faced by Akpoti is the misrepresentation of her government-sponsored trip to Europe with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Detractors have deliberately misconstrued the nature of this official trip, attempting to tarnish her reputation by insinuating inappropriate relationships. Such baseless insinuations reflect a broader societal trend where women in positions of power are often subjected to scrutiny and character assassination that their male counterparts rarely face.
This tactic was further weaponized when Akpoti’s motion addressing sexual harassment was outrightly rejected on the Senate floor. The dismissal of her motion sends a chilling message—that women’s experiences of harassment are not taken seriously, and that those in power will go to great lengths to shield themselves from accountability.
By refusing to engage with such a critical issue, the Senate has once again demonstrated its deep-seated patriarchal bias.The Sexual Harassment Allegation Against AkpabioThe controversy surrounding Akpoti’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio has also been met with skepticism, largely driven by entrenched biases.
Critics have questioned the timing and circumstances of the alleged incident, pointing to her later work-related interactions with Akpabio as grounds for doubt. However, such skepticism ignores the reality that victims of harassment often continue professional engagements with their harassers due to the constraints of their careers and the power dynamics at play. While the case remains in court, the public discourse surrounding it reveals how Nigeria’s patriarchal structures dictate who is believed and who is dismissed. Rather than allowing due process to take its course, detractors have resorted to victim-blaming, further discouraging women from speaking out against abuse.
The emphasis should not be on discrediting Akpoti’s claims based on circumstantial arguments but on ensuring a fair and thorough judicial process. The Broader Implications for DemocracyThese incidents are not isolated but rather symptomatic of a broader failure in Nigeria’s democracy. The international community is increasingly scrutinizing Nigeria’s governance, questioning whether it truly operates as a democracy or merely upholds a de facto dictatorship where women’s rights and democratic principles are routinely undermined.
The continuous sidelining of women, the disregard for court rulings, and the systemic suppression of progressive voices all indicate that Nigeria’s patriarchal system is actively hindering its potential. The consequences of this deeply ingrained bias extend beyond individual cases. When capable women like Natasha Akpoti are systematically obstructed, Nigeria loses valuable contributions that could drive economic growth, social progress, and democratic stability. Additionally, the emasculation of young, intelligent men who are forced to conform to outdated power dynamics prevents fresh ideas from taking root in governance.
A Call for ReformIf Nigeria is to achieve true democracy and progress, there must be a fundamental shift in its political and cultural landscape.
Legal and Institutional Reforms: The judiciary must be empowered to uphold its rulings without political interference. Akpoti’s unlawful suspension is just one example of how court orders are ignored, and this must change. Merit-Based Governance: The practice of prioritizing seniority over merit in fund allocation and policy decisions should be abolished.
Nigeria’s progress should not be dictated by outdated hierarchical structures that favour male incumbents.Protection for Women in Politics: There should be stronger mechanisms in place to protect women in governance from character assassination and gender-based discrimination. This includes taking allegations of sexual harassment seriously and providing legal recourse for victims.
Reduction of Traditional Influence in Politics: Elected officials must be accountable to the electorate, not to unelected elders and religious leaders whose influence distorts governance priorities. The focus should be on the needs of the people rather than appeasing patriarchal gatekeepers.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads where it must decide whether to continue perpetuating an outdated patriarchal system or embrace a more inclusive and progressive democratic framework. The case of Senator Natasha Akpoti highlights the urgent need for reform in the political sphere. By addressing these systemic barriers, Nigeria can pave the way for a governance model that truly represents all its citizens, ensuring justice, equality, and sustainable progress.
geria’s deeply entrenched patriarchal system undermines democracy and stifles progress. The case of Senator Natasha Akpoti illustrates this, as she was unjustly suspended without pay and faced character assassination and gender-based discrimination.
The country’s patriarchal structure, influenced by traditional and religious leaders, sidelines women and young, progressive leaders, hindering national progress.
To achieve true democracy, Nigeria must adopt merit-based governance, protect women in politics, and reduce traditional influence in politics, ensuring justice, equality, and sustainable progress for all citizens.
