Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has announced her intention to present concrete evidence supporting her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Thursday, she stated, “At the right time and at the right space, I will present the evidence that I have.”
The allegations first came to light during an interview with Arise Television, where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Uyo on December 8, 2023. She claimed that Akpabio took her by the hand, led her around his house, and made suggestive comments in the presence of her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan. Additionally, she alleged that Akpabio insinuated she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration on the Senate floor.
In response, Akpabio has denied these allegations, describing them as “false, malicious, and libelous.” His wife, Ekaette Akpabio, also dismissed the claims, stating that her husband is a disciplined and jovial man. She recounted the cordial relationship between their family and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family, dismissing the allegations as a figment of wild imaginations.
The situation has garnered significant attention, with women’s rights groups condemning the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, which followed her allegations. Protests ensued under the banner “We are all Natasha,” highlighting gender inequality in Nigeria’s politics and sparking conversations on women’s rights and sexual harassment.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally submitted a petition against Akpabio to the Senate, citing sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of her legislative functions. However, some senators opposed the petition, arguing that the matter is already in court and should not be debated in the Senate. The Senate resolved to continue with its agenda before going into a closed-door session to discuss the issue.
In a related development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a petition to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The petition, submitted by constituents from Kogi Central on March 24, 2025, did not meet the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). INEC stated, “Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the Senator.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan applauded INEC’s decision, stating that the recall process has been stalled. She expressed appreciation for INEC’s action, even though she believed they should have dismissed the petition earlier. She also argued that most of the addresses provided in the petition were false, as many houses in her district weren’t labeled. She added, “Even though INEC did count 208,000 signatures, I bet you if they had gone into the verification stage, they would have struggled to even have 500 people come out to attest to signing that.”
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