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Akpabio Dismisses Natasha’s Allegations, Links Them to Senate Committee Shake-Up

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedMarch 8, 2025

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, claiming they only surfaced after a reshuffling of Senate Committee leadership.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day 2025, Akpabio maintained that the Senate was committed to promoting gender equality and removing barriers to women’s progress in Nigeria.

He, however, questioned the credibility of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, stating that neither he, his wife, nor any Nigerian had heard of such accusations before she was removed from her committee position.

The controversy between the two lawmakers escalated on Thursday when the Kogi senator was suspended for six months for allegedly violating Senate rules.

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Akpabio argued that even Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband was unaware of the allegations until after she was stripped of her position.

“From December 8, 2023, until the change in committee leadership, no such allegations existed. However, after her position changed, the claims emerged. Have you considered the trauma she has caused others she previously accused? None of her past allegations have been proven,” Akpabio stated.

He further criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s history of making allegations, implying that her claims were politically motivated. He also took a jab at her appearance, saying, “Does she think not being considered beautiful is an issue? I do not wish to dwell on that.”

Addressing female political representation, Akpabio lamented that despite women constituting 51% of Nigeria’s voting population, they remain underrepresented in governance.

He proposed constitutional amendments to reserve parliamentary seats for women, citing Tanzania, South Africa, and Malawi as examples of countries that have adopted such measures.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has been vocal about her allegations against Akpabio, further claiming he has a history of sexual harassment, including alleged incidents involving former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joi Nunieh.

The Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked outrage, with critics accusing Akpabio of using his position to silence opposition.

Some legal experts have called for his resignation, arguing that an independent investigation into the allegations is necessary for justice to prevail.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.