On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied the sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously raised the issue during a national interview but made an official petition to the Senate, repeating her claim.
Speaking during a Senate session, Akpabio strongly rejected the accusations. “I have never attempted any sexual harassment against any woman,” he stated. He added that his upbringing by a single mother and his four daughters made it impossible for him to behave in such a way. “I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have four beautiful daughters. At no time would I ever harass any woman,” Akpabio said.
He also pointed out that while serving as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, he was honored with the “most gender-friendly governor” award, further asserting that he has always supported women’s rights and empowerment.
Akpabio urged the public and media to wait for the court’s decision before jumping to conclusions. “I urge all Nigerians, especially the media and social media, to await the court’s verdict. Please, do not rush to conclusions on mere allegations,” he said.
However, confusion arose in the Senate when Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno raised a point of order, arguing that the matter could not be discussed or referred to the Ethics Committee because the issue was still in court. Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele supported this view and suggested a closed-door session.
The session continued despite these disagreements, as visitors were present in the gallery, and the Senate President chose to proceed with the day’s business.
This came after a tense exchange in the previous week’s session, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio, further escalating the tension between them.
