Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been advised to take control of perceptions surrounding her beauty, as it may be influencing her political career.
Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, made this assertion while speaking on Arise News TV, where he suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s striking looks could be affecting how she is treated in the political space.
According to Ogunlewe, the presence of confident female legislators is increasing in the National Assembly. However, he believes that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s physical appearance has become an added challenge.
“The female senators did not look at themselves as if they were inferior to men.
They were even up to the task,” he stated, emphasizing that women in politics have proven to be assertive in legislative debates.
Ogunlewe pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty naturally draws attention, making it difficult for male colleagues to ignore her.
“But the beauty of Senator Natasha is a problem to her,” he remarked.
“You know, men—when somebody who is pretty passes by you, your attitude will change. You can smile, you can wink, but you may not talk to her.”
He further stressed that it is natural for men to notice an attractive woman, implying that this reaction may impact how Akpoti-Uduaghan is perceived in political circles.
“To men, when she’s passing, there’s no way a man will not look at that woman,”he added.
“It is a natural thing for a man to look at beautiful women. How can you be a man, and a beautiful woman is passing, and you close your eyes?”
While some may argue that beauty should not determine a politician’s career, the conversation highlights the deeper issue of gender dynamics in politics.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty has been identified as a factor, but rather than allowing it to define her political journey, she may need to navigate the situation strategically.
Moreover, the comments by Ogunlewe raise broader concerns about how female politicians are perceived, with appearance sometimes overshadowing competence and capability.
Meanwhile, supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan believe that she should not be judged based on her looks but rather on her contributions to governance and legislative affairs.
