The recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked national outrage, igniting a broader conversation on power abuse, gender discrimination, and political accountability in Nigeria. The controversy has drawn reactions from political figures, civil society groups, legal experts, and women’s rights activists, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the claims.
Allegations and Initial Reactions
Appearing on the Morning Show aired by the Arise News Channel in Abuja, Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), alleged that Akpabio made persistent sexual advances toward her and, after being rebuffed, resorted to intimidation and political retaliation. She claimed the issue began on December 8, 2023, at a pre-birthday event hosted by Akpabio at his residence in Uyo. According to her, Akpabio made suggestive remarks and later weaponized his influence in the Senate to obstruct her legislative motions, particularly her effort to investigate corruption at the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
Natasha said Akpabio made it clear her legislative success was contingent on her willingness to satisfy his sexual cravings and uncontrollable libido. She quoted Akpabio saying: “Natasha, I’m the Chief presiding officer of the Senate, you can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me. Make me happy.” At that point, I said, ‘Sir, I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear this’. He said, ‘well, the ball is in your court’. I left his office,” Natasha said, adding: “My case is a case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.” The Kogi Central Senator also alleged that most of the intimate love calls from Akpabio came in the dead of the night and that she usually woke her husband and put the conversations on speaker.
Lawsuits and Counter-suits
The allegations have been met with mixed reactions. Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, dismissed the claims as fabrications, branding Natasha a liar and subsequently suing her. Seeking redress for “scandalous and salacious” comments, Ekaette in a fundamental rights suit filed at the Abuja High Court, claimed the accusations have caused her and her children “emotional and psychological abuse.” She wants the court to issue a restraining order, preventing Natasha from making further “spiteful” statements that infringe on Ekaette’s fundamental human rights. The suit also demands N250 billion in exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages, in addition to any other orders the court deems necessary. Ekaette contends that Natasha’s comments have severely damaged the reputation of herself and her family, bringing them into disrepute and causing harm to their public standing, and wants the court to order Natasha to publicly apologize, with the apology published in two national newspapers.
However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Senator Natasha advised her to stay out of the matter. The letter, titled ‘Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family,’ stressed that the allegations were personal to the Senate President and that he should be left to defend himself. “Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We will suggest that you leave the defense of the allegations for the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family.”
In another bizarre twist, Akwa Ibom women on Saturday took to some major Streets of Uyo, the state capital, protesting the sexual harassment allegation levelled against their son, Akpabio. They described the allegations as “unfounded”, and a ploy to discredit and tarnish Akpabio’s image, warning Natasha to stop disrespecting and embarrassing their son – the number three citizen of the nation. The disgruntled women who made a stop at the popular Plaza roundabout during the protest, demanded an apology from Natasha or risk their wrath.
Women’s Rights Organizations and Public Outcry
The case has drawn support from various women’s rights organizations and political groups. Dr. Joe Odumakin, President of Women Arise, emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation, while the Ojo Women Action for Political Actualization reminded Akpabio of his duty to respect and protect women in leadership. Similarly, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) noted that while the burden of proof lies with Natasha, the allegations are too grave to be ignored. The Women Active in Politics (WAiP) coalition further stressed that even without immediate proof, the claims should be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
Senate Politics and Power Dynamics
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations are compounded by her claims of political victimization within the Senate. She reported being unilaterally reassigned to a different seat without prior notice, an action she perceived as punitive. When she resisted the move, she was threatened with suspension. Her attempts to invoke Senate Order 10 – her right to speak on matters of privilege, were dismissed – further demonstrating the Senate leadership’s hostility toward her.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for not adhering to Senate procedures but acknowledged the chamber’s unfriendly disposition toward women. This lack of support from female senators has raised concerns about the gendered power imbalance within Nigeria’s political institutions.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Meanwhile, the scandal has been described as a “national embarrassment” by Professor Itse Sagay, former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), who insisted that harassment and intimidation should not be tolerated. Legal practitioners have demanded a probe into the matter, citing its gravity and implications for justice and governance. They warned against sweeping the issue under the carpet and reiterated that while Akpoti-Uduaghan must present evidence, the severity of the allegations necessitates an impartial investigation.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Hayab, described the scandal as a “show of shame” and a national disgrace. He urged the National Assembly to address the situation with integrity, warning that failure to act decisively would exacerbate Nigeria’s governance crisis.
A Larger Struggle for Women in Politics
Beyond the immediate accusations, this controversy highlights the challenges women face in Nigeria’s male-dominated political landscape. The Akpabio-Natasha saga has reinforced fears that female politicians remain vulnerable to systemic sexism and retribution when they challenge authority. If left unaddressed, this case could discourage women from participating in governance, further entrenching gender disparity in Nigerian politics.
Call for Accountability and Justice
The demand for Akpabio’s resignation is growing among activists and citizens who believe the Senate should not serve as a refuge for those accused of predatory behavior. If the allegations are proven, his continued leadership would signify a failure of moral and ethical standards in Nigeria’s highest legislative body. On the other hand, a fair and transparent investigation will determine the veracity of the claims and ensure justice is served.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has pleaded with all those directly and indirectly involved in the ongoing faceoff between Senator Natasha and Senate President Akpabio to prioritize the protection of the Senate as an institution and not individuals. Saraki in a statement he issued in Abuja on Saturday said: “At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media. From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous. Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow. In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subjecting myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realized that was the best decision and, in the end, I am happy I travelled that route. We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness.”
This case presents a defining moment for Nigeria’s political and judicial institutions. The nation must decide whether to uphold integrity and gender equality or continue enabling a culture of impunity. One thing is clear: the eyes of the nation are watching, and history will not be kind to those who choose silence over justice.
