The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over remarks he reportedly made during discussions on attempted suicide, describing his reference to “seven virgins” as offensive, insensitive, and potentially divisive.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said Akpabio’s comments trivialised a serious mental health issue and introduced unnecessary religious stereotyping into a matter concerning human lives.
The controversy followed discussions around the National Suicide Prevention Bill and the continued criminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria. During a widely circulated video, the Senate President was heard joking that some young people may find death attractive because “they have seven virgins waiting for them.”
Reacting, the ADC said it strongly disagreed with the remark, insisting that suicide and attempted suicide should be treated as mental health concerns rather than criminal offences.
The party described laws criminalising attempted suicide as remnants of colonial-era legislation that punished individuals experiencing emotional and psychological distress.
“The criminalisation of attempted suicide is a colonial legacy,” the party said, arguing that those who survive suicide attempts require care and support rather than punishment.
The ADC further criticised Akpabio’s reported support for imprisonment as punishment for failed suicide attempts, describing it as a missed opportunity to reform outdated laws.
According to the party, countries that introduced such laws have largely abolished them in recognition of modern mental health approaches.
