The Nigerian Senate has been thrown into turmoil following sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The controversy has led to calls from opposition parties and prominent political figures for Akpabio to step aside to allow an impartial investigation.The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan, in an interview with Arise Television, claimed that her recent clash with Akpabio on the Senate floor was a result of her refusal to yield to his alleged sexual advances. She alleged that Akpabio had made inappropriate remarks towards her during his birthday celebration in December 2023 while showing her around his home in Akwa Ibom, in the presence of her husband.
According to her, Akpabio’s attitude towards her changed after she rejected his advances, leading to what she perceives as targeted humiliation. The situation escalated last Tuesday when she discovered that her seat had been moved in the Senate chamber without prior notice. Frustrated by this development, she protested, causing a brief disruption in plenary. Akpoti-Uduaghan was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review, with the committee given two weeks to report back.
In response to the allegations, Akpabio has remained silent, but his wife, Ekaette, has taken legal action, filing a defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan-Akpoti, has voiced his support for his wife, claiming that despite his interventions, Akpabio continued to harass her.
The allegations have sparked outrage across political circles, with key opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President Bukola Saraki—demanding Akpabio step down to ensure a transparent investigation. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the Labour Party’s Obidient Movement have also joined the call for his temporary resignation.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the situation as an embarrassment to the nation, urging Akpabio to step aside to maintain the integrity of the Senate.
“We believe that when such allegations arise, the accused should step aside to allow for a proper investigation. Senator Akpabio cannot be a judge in his own case. Women’s rights must be respected, and discrimination based on gender is unacceptable,” Ologunagba said.
Similarly, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, backed the demand for an independent probe, stating, “When such serious accusations surface, the right thing to do is for the accused to temporarily step aside to ensure transparency.”
Labour Party chieftain and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, emphasized the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Senate.
“This is about the integrity of the institution, not just the individual involved. Akpabio must clear his name, and if he has done nothing wrong, he should have no problem stepping aside to allow an investigation,” Tanko added.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from the controversy, insisting it is strictly a legislative matter. APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, stated that since Akpoti-Uduaghan is not a member of the APC, the party has no role in the issue.
“It is a matter for the legislative arm. Natasha is not our member. If both of them were in our party, we might have intervened. But as it stands, the Senate and the legal system should handle it,” Basiru said.
Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the National Assembly has the necessary mechanisms to resolve the issue internally.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of civil society organizations, with experts calling for law enforcement agencies to step in. The Chairman of the Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership, Deborah Adeniran, emphasized the need for forensic investigations into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims.
“She said she has evidence. This should be thoroughly investigated to determine if this was mere advances or actual harassment,” Adeniran stated.
Similarly, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Accountability and Advocacy Centre, warned against making allegations without solid proof.
“We must be careful with such claims, as they can damage reputations. If Akpoti-Uduaghan has evidence, she must present it. Otherwise, we risk a scenario where accusations become tools for political battles,” Rafsanjani said.
Akpabio has dismissed calls for his resignation, arguing that the allegations against him are politically motivated and lack any formal basis for investigation. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, he questioned the legitimacy of the claims, stating that no petition has been filed with the police, the courts, or the Senate.
“There is no formal complaint anywhere. You cannot ask the Senate to investigate mere allegations without a petition. This is turning into political theatrics,” Eyiboh said.
He also criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s outburst in the Senate chamber, arguing that seat relocations are normal due to party defections.
“When there is defection, seats are rearranged. This has happened multiple times. Senator Ireti Kingibe has had her seat changed four times. Why is this case different?” Eyiboh questioned.
He further argued that camera visibility should not be an issue for a senator who actively contributes to debates.
“If you make meaningful contributions in the Senate, the cameras will find you. Complaining about a seat change as an attempt to silence her is baseless,” he added.
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