Senator Natasha Alleges Sexual Harassment by Senate President Akpabio, Says Suspension Was Meant to Silence Her
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging inappropriate advances both inside and outside the Senate chambers. In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, the Kogi Central lawmaker claimed that her recent six-month suspension was a deliberate attempt to silence her following her refusal to comply with Akpabio’s alleged misconduct.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which took effect on March 6, 2025, was handed down for “gross misconduct” after she failed to appear before the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee. The suspension followed a heated confrontation with Akpabio during a plenary session last month.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment
In the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted specific incidents of alleged harassment by Akpabio. She described an encounter at Akpabio’s country home, where she claimed he held her hand in a “suggestive way.”
“We were at his country home. He was taking me around his house. My husband was walking behind us. He held my hand. He then squeezed my hands in a very suggestive way. We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way,” she said.
The senator also recalled an incident inside the Senate chamber where Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate comments about her not wearing her wedding ring.
“There was a time when I rushed to work and forgot to wear my ring. There were about five senators there. He said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?’ You know, statements like this,” she recounted.
Suspension and Alleged Victimization
Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as an act of victimization, stating, “I am being victimized. My suspension is a means of silencing me.” She argued that her outspokenness and refusal to comply with Akpabio’s alleged advances led to her punishment.
The senator’s suspension has sparked widespread debate about the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigerian politics. Critics argue that the lack of transparency within the Senate discourages accountability and stifles dissenting voices, particularly those of women.
Senate’s Response
Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, stating that Akpabio had never made sexual advances or inappropriate comments toward her.
“Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true,” Nwaebonyi told the BBC. He also rejected her assertion that the Senate was deliberately silencing her, emphasizing that disciplinary measures against lawmakers should not be politicized.
Implications for Nigerian Politics
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and her allegations against Akpabio have brought renewed scrutiny to the Nigerian Senate. The case highlights broader issues of gender dynamics, internal governance, and the freedom of lawmakers to express their views without fear of retribution.
Critics argue that the Senate’s handling of the situation reflects a systemic problem of gender inequality and a lack of accountability within Nigeria’s political institutions. The allegations also raise questions about the mechanisms in place to address harassment and misconduct among lawmakers.
Calls for Accountability
As the fallout from these allegations continues, there are growing calls for an independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. Advocates for gender equality and transparency in governance have urged the Senate to address the issue promptly and ensure that all lawmakers, regardless of gender, are treated fairly and with respect.
The case has also reignited discussions about the need for stronger policies to protect women in politics from harassment and discrimination. Many have called for the establishment of clear guidelines and support systems to address such issues within legislative bodies.
Next Steps
The Nigerian Senate faces mounting pressure to address the allegations and restore public confidence in its governance. As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders across the political spectrum will be closely monitoring the Senate’s response and its implications for the future of gender equality and accountability in Nigerian politics.
