Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations as Senator Natasha submits new petition.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. He has refuted the charges.
He responded to the claims on Wednesday, when the Senate resumed plenary after a week-long break.

Senator Akpabio dismissed the charges, saying, “I never harassed any woman. My late single mother raised me extremely nicely, and I have always respected women. I earned an honour for being Nigeria’s most gender-friendly governor.

The Senate President, who stated that he had received numerous calls on the subject since February 25 and was aware of the rising social media conversation, encouraged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to desist from making conclusions and instead await the court’s ruling on the matter.

However, immediately following his remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition under Order 40, charging the Senate President of sexual harassment and misuse of authority.

She asked for permission to walk forward and formally present the petition to the chamber.

The Senate then referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, directing it to evaluate it as quickly as possible.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President clashed in February over a seat reconfiguration. The seat issue has generated tensions in the Senate, prompting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to allege sexual harassment and raising new worries about the legislative body’s etiquette and conduct.

Senator Natasha and husband arrive in the Senate chamber.https://t.co/oCwdEsNiLQ pic.twitter.com/pWXRXnCxhp
— Channels Television (@channelstv), March 5, 2025

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to the Senate Chamber on Wednesday, accompanied by her husband, amid the controversy.

The senator had a brief but loving kiss with her spouse before entering the chamber to take her seat.
After taking her new seat, she declined to stand when Akpabio arrived to begin plenary, deviating from the normal display of respect for the presiding officer.