The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his reported “seven virgins” remark during a Senate debate on attempted suicide, describing it as insensitive and inappropriate.
The party also criticized Akpabio’s opposition to decriminalising attempted suicide, insisting that survivors need medical care and psychological support rather than imprisonment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the remark introduced religious stereotyping into a debate that should focus on protecting human life.
The party described the criminalization of attempted suicide as a colonial-era legacy and warned that the threat of imprisonment could discourage people experiencing mental health crises from seeking help.
The reaction followed Tuesday’s Senate debate on the National Suicide Prevention Bill, which seeks to decriminalize attempted suicide and provide treatment and rehabilitation for survivors.
Despite Akpabio’s opposition, the bill passed its second reading and was referred to the relevant Senate committees for further consideration and a public hearing.
The ADC urged lawmakers to prioritize suicide prevention, counselling and access to mental healthcare, arguing that people who survive suicide attempts should receive support rather than punishment.
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