Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging inappropriate advances during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023. Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claimed the incident occurred in the presence of her husband, who she said respects Akpabio greatly.

She recounted that after an event in Akwa Ibom, they visited Akpabio’s home, where he allegedly held her hand, showed her around his house, and made suggestive remarks, including, “I am going to create quality time for us to be together.” She stated that her husband, who was present but on the phone, later expressed concern and advised her against traveling abroad alone, even for legislative duties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that Akpabio stepped down a motion she moved on the Ajaokuta Steel Company, telling her in his office, “If you take care of me, you will enjoy a lot. I am the Presiding Officer in the National Assembly.” She claimed the motion was only taken up when the Deputy Senate President presided over the plenary. She likened her experience to “a female student being failed every time because she refuses to sleep with the lecturer.”

The senator further accused Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele of threatening her during a phone call, warning that if Akpabio “goes down,” she would also “go down.” She said

In response, Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing her husband as a “very responsible and disciplined man.” Speaking to journalists, she defended Akpabio’s character, stating that he respects their family values and has always supported women in government. She questioned the timing and motive behind the accusations, suggesting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, a close friend of Akpabio, would have intervened if the allegations were true.

Mrs. Akpabio also announced plans to sue Akpoti-Uduaghan on behalf of her husband, stating, “I am now the one pursuing legal action.” She emphasized that the Senate President’s home is always filled with guests and security personnel, making such behavior impossible.

The allegations come amid ongoing tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, including a recent dispute over her seating arrangement in the Senate chamber. Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his aide, Mfon Patrick, over a Facebook post allegedly authored by Patrick following the seating controversy. She has also accused Senate leadership of harassment, claiming she has been excluded from international engagements and stripped of privileges.

The Senate has referred the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation, with a two-week deadline to report its findings. Meanwhile, Akpabio’s office has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. The case has sparked a heated debate, with both sides standing firm on their positions.