Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has made a damning allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected his sexual advances.
In an explosive interview with Arise TV on Friday, February 28, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan compared her ordeal to that of a student being victimized by a lecturer for refusing to comply with inappropriate demands.
> “My case is that of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him,” she said.
Allegations of Harassment and Retaliation
The senator detailed an alleged encounter with Akpabio, which she said took place at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 18, 2023, a day before both their birthdays.
According to her, during a tour of his home, Akpabio held her hand and made suggestive remarks about spending “quality moments” together.
> “He said, ‘Now that you’re a senator, I’m going to create time for us to come spend quality moments here. You will enjoy it.’”
She claimed she immediately pulled away but noticed her husband’s reaction, as well as Akpabio’s apparent concern over whether her husband had overheard the conversation.
The senator revealed that later that night, her husband questioned her about Akpabio’s remarks, but she chose to downplay the situation instead of revealing the full context.
Senate Power Struggle and Political Fallout
Akpoti-Uduaghan suggested that her defiance of Akpabio’s alleged advances led to her political victimization in the Senate.
She also addressed the controversy over her sitting position in the chamber, arguing that while Order 10 of the Senate Rules requires senators to speak from their designated seats, lawmakers have the right to speak from any position on matters of privilege.
She also responded to Senator Ireti Kingibe, who, rather than supporting her, criticized her decision to file a defamation lawsuit against Akpabio.
Senate ‘Nightclub’ Comment and Alleged Cover-Up
Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed Akpabio’s previous “nightclub” remark about the Senate as more than just a joke.
She alleged that the Senate President had once personally suggested organizing a private party in a nightclub setting for lawmakers to “have fun.”
Denial of Corruption Allegations
The senator also addressed a petition submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Public Petitions, and Code of Conduct by a northern youth group, accusing her of corruption.
She insisted the allegations were fabricated by individuals attempting to coerce her into diverting committee funds for their personal gain.
Threats and Political Pressure
Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she has been warned by Senate leadership to stop openly challenging Akpabio.
According to her, she was told that any scandal that brought down the Senate President could also politically destroy her.
Her allegations have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising serious questions about abuse of power, sexual harassment, and political retaliation at the highest levels of the Nigerian Senate.
Akpabio Yet to Respond
As of now, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has not publicly responded to the allegations. However, the accusations are expected to ignite intense scrutiny and political fallout in the coming days.
Credit: PoliticsNigeria except headline
