Weaponizing Feminism: The Dangerous Trend Emerging From Natasha Akpoti’s Political Drama

A dangerous trend is creeping into Nigeria’s political space — one that uses feminism not as a tool for justice or equality, but as a shield against accountability. At the center of this is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose recent clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio is being twisted into a false narrative of systemic oppression against women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Let’s be clear: nobody is stopping women from speaking, contesting, or holding office. But what we’re witnessing now is an emotionally charged strategy — weaponize feminism, cry victim, and turn the tides of public sympathy. This narrative is gaining traction, not just among women, but sadly among men who have fallen for the trick.

Ask yourself: who controls the banks today? Who are the major players in the economy? Women. They are at the center of Nigeria’s commerce, finance, and corporate spaces — dominating, excelling, thriving. Yet when it comes to politics, a different energy is demanded. It’s gritty. It takes risk. It takes sacrifice. Men have long accepted the cost — the sleepless nights, the financial drain, the brutal ground game. Why should women be exempt from that grind?

Natasha’s attempt to spin her personal political troubles into a national crisis for women is disingenuous at best. In the Senate chamber, her representative Oby Ezekwesili told a sitting senator to “shut up” — an act that was rightly challenged. Yet now the narrative is that women are being silenced. Come on. You can’t barge into a man’s house and insult him, then play victim when he reacts.

This manipulation is calculated. It’s about flipping the script, not about fairness or justice. It’s designed to get Nigerians emotional, to paint a picture of a country hostile to women in leadership. But this is not the truth. Politics rewards hard work and consistency — not pity.

Let’s not allow feminism to become a tool for political blackmail. Feminism is a noble cause. But when it’s hijacked by individuals looking to escape scrutiny, it undermines the real fight for women’s empowerment.

We must support capable women. We must encourage inclusion. But we must also demand that everyone — man or woman — be held to the same standard. If you want the office, earn it. Don’t guilt the nation into handing it over.

Nigeria has come too far to be fooled by emotional propaganda. The game is politics — and in politics, you don’t get rewarded for shouting the loudest. You get rewarded for showing up, grinding hard, and earning the people’s trust.

Let’s keep it real.

Bush Radio Academy, inspired by Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, is a grassroots-driven institution focused on empowering individuals through storytelling, citizen journalism, and innovative communication tools to amplify overlooked voices