God Will Fight For Natasha: Nigeria’s Trending ‘Poster Girl’ For Women’s Rights (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

In the heart of Nigeria’s ever-evolving socio-political landscape, a new name has emerged, resonating with defiance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a woman whose name has become synonymous with the fight against entrenched patriarchy, misogyny and attendant gender bias, has found herself at the center of a storm. Yet, as history and scripture have often demonstrated, when justice is obstructed, God fights for His own.

The phrase “God will fight” is a refrain echoed in churches, mosques, and homes across Nigeria. It is a deeply rooted belief that when human machinations rise against the innocent, divine intervention is inevitable. As Natasha’s story unfolds, her unwavering spirit in the face of political intimidation and gender-based discrimination mirrors biblical accounts of how God fights for the oppressed.

Without a doubt, with the ongoing fight, Natasha has become a phenomenon, a movement and a symbol of resistance.

There is no denying the fact that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer, politician, and human rights advocate, has been a beacon of hope for many Nigerian women. Her story is one of courage in a society where women aspiring for political leadership face formidable challenges, including electoral malpractices, harassment, and outright exclusion from political structures designed to favor men.

It will be recalled in this context that in the recent electoral cycle that Natasha contested as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Kogi Central. Her journey was anything but smooth. Reports of intimidation, rigging, and systemic subjugation were widespread. Yet, she did not cower. Instead, she fought with everything within her legal and moral arsenal, embodying the biblical injunction in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Without a doubt, the level of opposition against her candidacy was reminiscent of David’s battle against Goliath. Like David, Natasha lacked the backing of the political establishment but relied on a greater force, truth and the resilience of the people’s will.

Throughout scripture, we see numerous instances where God stepped in to fight battles for the weak and marginalized.

Moses and the Israelites against Pharaoh Exodus 14:14, Moses reassured the Israelites as they stood before the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in pursuit: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

The same way Pharaoh used oppression and intimidation against the Israelites, Natasha’s political journey has faced similar challenges from those in power. But as history has shown, when oppression reaches a tipping point, divine intervention becomes inevitable.

Mordecai and Esther against Haman In the book of Esther. As the biblical story goes, Haman plotted to annihilate the Jews, but God turned the tables, and Haman was hanged on the very gallows he prepared for Mordecai. (Esther 7:10).

Natasha’s political struggles echo Esther’s, as she has stood against an establishment that has sought to silence her. Yet, her persistence, much like Esther’s, is a testament to the fact that righteousness will always prevail.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den in Daniel 6, King Darius was manipulated into issuing a decree that ultimately led Daniel to the lions’ den. However, because Daniel was faithful, God shut the mouths of the lions.

The political landscape in Nigeria can be likened to a den of lions, where those who challenge the status quo face grave consequences. Natasha’s perseverance amidst adversity mirrors Daniel’s steadfastness.

For every time Natasha has been denied justice, she has responded with grace and unrelenting faith, reflecting Romans 12:19: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Nigeria has witnessed many cases where divine intervention turned the tide in favor of the oppressed. One striking example is the story of Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, who, despite being rigged out of office multiple times, pursued justice through legal means and was eventually reinstated, twice. His story is a testament to the power of faith and resilience, reinforcing the idea that the will of God is always supreme.

Another powerful instance is the case of Goodluck Jonathan, who ascended to Nigeria’s presidency despite not being the favored choice of the political elite. His rise, often described as divinely orchestrated, remains a reference point that God fights for those He chooses.

Beyond politics, the world has seen how divine intervention has worked in favor of those who stand for justice. Nelson Mandela, after 27 years of unjust imprisonment, emerged not only free but as the leader of a democratic South Africa, dismantling the oppressive apartheid regime. His story serves as a testament that perseverance and faith ultimately lead to justice.

Natasha’s journey is more than just about winning a political seat; it is about breaking barriers and redefining what is possible for Nigerian women in politics.

Historically, women like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and Gambo Sawaba paved the way for gender inclusion in governance. However, the battle is far from over. Natasha represents the modern-day woman who refuses to be relegated to the background.

Her resilience is a call to action for Nigerian women to rise beyond intimidation and actively engage in nation-building. It also serves as a wake-up call to the Nigerian political system that times are changing.

Her fight is not just personal but for every girl child who aspires to leadership, for every woman who has been told she is not good enough, and for every Nigerian who dreams of an inclusive and just society.

While Natasha’s struggles continue, one thing remains certain, God does not forsake His own. Psalm 37:5-6 assures us: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

Her story is still unfolding, but if biblical and historical precedents are anything to go by, then Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is standing on the brink of victory. She may have lost battles, but the war is far from over, and with God on her side, justice will prevail.

The cry of the oppressed never goes unheard. The same God who fought for Moses, Esther, Daniel, Nelson Mandela, and countless others is still in the business of defending His own. If there’s one certainty in all of this, it is that God will fight for Natasha.