The controversy in the Senate took a dramatic turn on Friday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making persistent sexual advances toward her.
She claimed that his hostility toward her stemmed from her refusal to yield to his alleged propositions.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted an incident on December 18, 2023, at Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom.
She alleged that the Senate President invited her on a tour of his house while holding her hand, with her husband walking behind them.
According to her, Akpabio commented on the beauty of his home before making a suggestive remark:
“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 stated that she quickly pulled away but remained unsure whether her husband overheard the exchange.
Later that night, her husband questioned her about the interaction, but she initially avoided revealing the full details.
Furthermore, Akpoti-Uduaghan addressed her recent clash in the Senate chamber, where she objected to her assigned seat placement.
Citing Order 10 of the Senate Rules, she insisted that lawmakers should be allowed to speak from their seats or anywhere when raising matters of privilege.
However, her stance was met with resistance from some colleagues, particularly Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT), who reportedly criticized her for filing a lawsuit against Akpabio.
In addition, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio had previously suggested organizing a private event in the style of a nightclub, implying it was meant for them to “have fun.”
She described such comments as inappropriate, especially coming from the Senate President.
The lawmaker also dismissed allegations of corruption leveled against her by a northern youth group, which had submitted a petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
She described the accusations as politically motivated and an attempt to silence her.
Moreover, she revealed that she had been warned by the Senate leadership to stop challenging Akpabio, cautioning her that if he “goes down,” she would be implicated as well.
Despite the pressure, she maintained that she would not be intimidated.
The allegations have sparked widespread debate, with many calling for an independent investigation.
While Akpabio has yet to respond publicly, the situation continues to generate reactions from both lawmakers and the public.
