The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, are set to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) to address allegations of sexual harassment made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio.
The development was confirmed by Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, who stated that all parties involved would testify before the committee, including Akpabio and other senators who might have relevant information about the case.
Nwebonyi emphasized that the committee’s proceedings would be thorough, with all testimonies recorded. “All the parties involved would appear before the Committee, including the Senate President. He would come and testify, and his testimony would be recorded, likewise other senators,” he stated.
The controversy stems from an allegation made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On February 28, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of sexual harassment during a visit to his residence in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. She claimed that during the visit, which was accompanied by her husband, Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and made inappropriate advances towards her, even in her husband’s presence.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate President’s actions made her feel uncomfortable, and she described the situation as an attempt to cross personal boundaries. She has since called for an investigation into the matter and has demanded that the Senate President be held accountable for his actions.
In response, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North in the Senate, dismissed the allegations, describing them as an attempt to divert attention from other political matters. Nwebonyi also implied that there was no substantial evidence to support the claims, referring to the legal term prima facie evidence, which refers to evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact unless disproven.
“In criminal prosecution, there is what we call prima facie evidence, that is evidence on the surface. If there is no prima facie evidence, then there is no case,” Nwebonyi said. He further stated that the Senate was not concerned about the allegations, claiming they were part of a political strategy to divert public attention. “She knows quite alright that what she is saying is to divert attention, but we are not disturbed because we know the truth,” he added.
Nwebonyi also suggested that he, along with other senators who were reportedly present at the time of the alleged incident, would provide testimony to refute the claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan. He assured the public that the truth would emerge during the committee’s inquiry, stating, “On the alleged date of the incident, so many senators were there. I am one of the star witnesses, I will come and tell the world what I saw.”
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions is now tasked with thoroughly investigating the matter and determining the facts surrounding the allegations. The committee’s role is to ensure that the conduct of senators and other public officials align with ethical standards and does not breach public trust.
The case has sparked significant public interest, as it involves high-ranking officials in the Nigerian Senate. Akpabio, who has served as the Senate President since 2023, is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, having previously served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and a minister in the federal government. His position as Senate President has made him one of the most powerful individuals in the Nigerian political landscape.
On the other hand, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has gained attention in recent years for her political activism and her representation of Kogi Central. She is known for her advocacy for women’s rights and social justice, and her allegations against Akpabio have put a spotlight on issues of sexual harassment and abuse of power within Nigerian politics.
The case is being closely watched by Nigerians, as it could have significant implications for the country’s political and legal systems. Sexual harassment has been a longstanding issue in many sectors of Nigerian society, and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to bring the matter to public attention has sparked debates on the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect individuals from abuse, especially within the corridors of power.
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the allegations. While some have supported Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling for a thorough investigation into the claims, others have questioned the timing of the allegations and suggested that they could be politically motivated. The fact that Akpabio is a powerful figure in the Senate, while Akpoti-Uduaghan represents the opposition PDP, has led to speculation about the political dynamics at play.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters have argued that her courage in speaking out against sexual harassment is a step towards holding powerful politicians accountable for their actions. They also see it as an opportunity to challenge the culture of silence that often surrounds issues of sexual misconduct in Nigerian politics.
However, Nwebonyi’s remarks highlight the tension within the Senate, with some lawmakers rallying behind Akpabio and dismissing the allegations as an attempt to create division within the chamber. Nwebonyi’s comments suggest that the ruling party senators view the allegations as politically motivated and are keen to discredit them in order to protect their party’s interests.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions now faces the difficult task of handling the sensitive nature of the case while ensuring a fair and transparent investigation. The committee is expected to call on all relevant parties to testify, and the findings of the inquiry could have serious consequences for both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, as well as for the credibility of the Nigerian Senate.
As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians are watching closely to see how the Senate addresses the issue of sexual harassment within its ranks and whether those found guilty of misconduct will be held accountable. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for future cases of sexual harassment in Nigerian politics and governance.
