ABUJA, Nigeria — Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, formally submitted a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.
Speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan informed her colleagues that she had previously raised the allegations during an interview on Arise TV and was now officially bringing the matter before the Senate.
Senate President Akpabio, in response, directed her to proceed with the submission, after which the petition was immediately referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for review.
Akpabio Denies Allegations
Earlier in the plenary session, Akpabio dismissed the allegations, maintaining that he had never harassed any woman.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he stated.
He acknowledged receiving multiple calls regarding the allegations since February 25 and noted the ongoing debates on social media.
However, he urged Nigerians to allow due process to take its course rather than making premature judgments.
Next Steps
With the petition now before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, the matter will undergo formal review.
The committee is expected to investigate the claims and report its findings to the Senate.
The development has sparked reactions both within and outside the Senate, with many calling for a thorough and impartial inquiry into the allegations.
