In Nigeria’s political history, women have gradually broken barriers to occupy influential positions in both the legislative and executive arms of government. From the Senate to the House of Representatives and ministerial offices, female politicians have made their mark. However, some have also been caught in the web of corruption allegations, sparking heated debates about accountability, governance, and the integrity of women in leadership.
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Patricia Etteh – First Female Speaker of the House of Representatives
In 2007, Patricia Olubunmi Etteh became Nigeria’s first and only female Speaker of the House of Representatives. Her historic emergence was short-lived after she was accused of authorising the expenditure of ₦628 million on the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy, alongside the purchase of luxury cars.
Though Etteh denied wrongdoing, the scandal forced her resignation just four months into her tenure, leaving a dark shadow over what could have been a groundbreaking legacy.
Stella Oduah – Former Senator and Aviation Minister
Stella Oduah, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District between 2015 and 2019, has also been enmeshed in corruption allegations. As Minister of Aviation, she was linked to the controversial purchase of bulletproof BMW cars valued at ₦255 million in 2013.
Years later, in 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned her over alleged involvement in a ₦7.9 billion fraud case, further cementing her association with financial scandals in public service.
Diezani Alison-Madueke – Former Minister of Petroleum
Although not a legislator, Diezani Alison-Madueke remains one of the most infamous names associated with corruption in Nigeria. As Minister of Petroleum Resources, she allegedly mismanaged billions of dollars in oil revenue. Foreign governments, including the United States and the United Kingdom, confiscated her assets ranging from luxury homes to a yacht. In 2025, U.S. authorities confirmed the repatriation of about $52.8 million in seized assets back to Nigeria.
Betta Edu – APC Women Leader and Suspended Minister
Another prominent female politician who fell from grace is Betta Edu, a former APC National Women Leader and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. In January 2024, she was suspended by President Bola Tinubu following reports that she approved the transfer of ₦585 million into a private account. The scandal dealt a blow to her image as one of the rising stars of Nigeria’s political class.
Sadiya Umar Farouk – Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister
Betta Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar Farouk, who also served as Nigeria’s youngest-ever minister, is currently under investigation for alleged mismanagement of ₦37.1 billion during her tenure. The EFCC has intensified probes into how funds meant for vulnerable Nigerians were allegedly diverted.
Halima Shehu – Former NSIPA Boss
In 2024, Halima Shehu, the suspended CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), was arrested by the EFCC over alleged involvement in a ₦44 billion fraud scheme. Shehu, a former ally of Betta Edu, was accused of coordinating questionable transactions shortly after assuming office.
Women, Power, and Accountability
The cases of Patricia Etteh and Stella Oduah stand out as the most prominent corruption-related scandals linked to women in Nigeria’s legislature. While their stories show that women are not immune to the challenges of power, they also reflect the growing scrutiny female politicians face in a society where corruption is often seen as a male-dominated vice.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with accountability in governance, these scandals serve as both a cautionary tale and a reminder that gender does not determine integrity — only character and commitment to public service do.
