Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties, submitting an affidavit to the Senate Ethics Committee as supporting evidence in her petition against him.
According to the affidavit, obtained by SaharaReporters, Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed an alleged incident on December 8, 2023, at Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom State, where she claimed the Senate President made unsolicited advances towards her while giving her a tour of his home. She stated that while her husband was on a phone call nearby, Akpabio suggested bringing her back alone for a “quality moment together” and even proposed converting part of the house into a nightclub for a private party.
In the document, the Kogi Central senator quoted Akpabio as saying, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate, and you can enjoy a whole lot from me if you take care of me and make me happy.”
She alleged that after rejecting his advances, Akpabio retaliated by obstructing her legislative motions, including a crucial proposal on the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. She stated that despite her motion being listed on the Senate’s order paper multiple times, Akpabio repeatedly refused to acknowledge it.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further claimed that Akpabio later removed her as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board on February 4, 2025, following an executive order for the establishment of five mini-LNG projects in Ajaokuta. She argued that this removal was driven by malice and a desire to limit her involvement in the project.
The senator also referenced past allegations of sexual misconduct against Akpabio, including claims made by Dr. Joi Nunieh, a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who previously accused him of harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was initially rejected by the Senate, prompting her constituent, Mr. Suberu Azamare Yakubu, to submit it on her behalf. She stated in her affidavit that she reserves the right to provide further evidence to support her claims.
The Senate Ethics Committee has yet to comment on the petition, while Akpabio has not publicly responded to the allegations.
