In an interview with BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan—one of only four female senators in the 109-member Nigerian Senate—described the legislative chamber as “a cult,” where dissenting voices are often suppressed for fear of retaliation.
Her accusation comes amid a six-month suspension imposed on her by the Senate for allegedly violating its standing rules, a punishment she claims is an attempt to silence her.
The controversy erupted in Nigeria’s political landscape after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation Akpabio has strongly denied.
Reacting to the claims, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated.
According to Nwebonyi, the alleged sexual harassment incident could not have occurred as described because he and over 20 other senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, were present at Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom on the said date.
“At no time did the Senate President make any unwanted sexual advances toward Senator Natasha. He did not hold her hand, squeeze her, or make any suggestive comments. She was with her husband, myself, and many other guests,” Nwebonyi stated.
On claims that Akpabio made inappropriate remarks toward Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Senate chamber, Nwebonyi insisted that was also untrue, emphasizing that “the Senate is a serious institution handling national issues.”
A Political Feud?
Some senators believe the rift between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio began after her sitting position was changed in the Senate chamber, a move she strongly protested during a plenary session.
The Senate, however, argues that seat reassignments are routine and fall within the Senate President’s authority. Lawmakers also pointed out that senators must occupy their assigned seats before they are recognized to speak during plenary, a rule Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of violating.
The controversy escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of victimizing her after she allegedly rejected his advances.
The Senate Ethics Committee had earlier summoned her on February 25, 2025, over alleged misconduct. Some lawmakers now suggest that her sexual harassment claims are an attempt to deflect attention from the disciplinary measures against her.
Akpabio, a former governor and prominent political figure, has yet to issue a direct response beyond the Senate’s official denial.
A Growing Political Scandal
The allegations have sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria, with some calling for an independent investigation while others dismiss the claims as political maneuvering.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her outspoken nature, maintains that her suspension and alleged mistreatment stem from her refusal to submit to Akpabio’s advances. The Senate, on the other hand, insists that the disciplinary action against her is strictly based on her conduct within the chamber.
As the controversy unfolds, political observers are watching closely to see if further evidence emerges or if the matter will be dismissed as another chapter in Nigeria’s complex political drama.
