Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, says fear of political persecution prevented many of her colleagues from openly identifying with her during her suspension from the senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke on Sunday in Okene, Kogi state, during the inauguration of a new market.
She noted that although several senators reached out privately to express solidarity, they avoided public association with her for fear of political consequences.
The lawmaker described her suspension as illegal, noting that it exposed how fear and political intimidation shape behaviour within government institutions.
“When a government official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally,” she said.
“Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted.
“Many senators stood by me quietly — they called, they visited — but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”