Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has alleged that her troubles in the Senate stem from rejecting sexual advances from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking on Arise TV on Friday, she claimed Akpabio made inappropriate remarks during a private encounter in December 2023. Comparing her situation to a student being punished for resisting a lecturer’s demands, Natasha stated:
“Mine is the case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him,” Natasha said.
“My issue with Akpabio started on 8th of December, 2023… My case is a case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.” ~ Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV
pic.twitter.com/tNBninFiDo — Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) February 28, 2025
Alleged incident at Akpabio’s residence
Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted that during Akpabio’s birthday celebration in Akwa Ibom, he allegedly suggested they could “spend quality time together” and that she would “enjoy it.”
“At that point, I pulled away and told him I didn’t understand what he meant,” she said, adding that her husband, who was present, later advised her to avoid traveling alone or visiting Akpabio’s guest house.
She also alleged that when she confronted Akpabio over repeated obstructions of her Senate motions, he responded:
“You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me.”
Ongoing Senate dispute
The allegations emerge amid a controversy over a disputed seat change in the Senate. On February 20, Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Akpabio after her seat was reassigned without her consent. Days later, on February 25, the Senate referred her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
No response from Akpabio
Efforts to reach Akpabio’s media team were unsuccessful. His special adviser on media and public affairs, Eseme Eyiboh, did not respond to calls or messages.
The allegations have sparked debates about power dynamics in Nigeria’s political space, with growing calls for a transparent investigation.
1 Comment
Why must akpabi invite one who is married living with a man just because she attended his birthday party to his guest house? That she would enjoy it. Let’s the house sit and judge this matter. What was she going to enjoy in his guest house after the occation? Please house look into it. I rest my case