Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has alleged that her challenges in the Senate stem from rejecting the sexual advances of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed a private encounter with Akpabio in December 2023, likening her experience to a student being victimized for resisting a lecturer’s inappropriate demands.
“I Was Punished for Saying No”
Akpoti-Uduaghan compared her ordeal to an abuse of power, stating:
“Mine is the case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.”
The accusations emerged amidst an ongoing dispute between the two senators over a controversial seat reassignment in the Senate. On February 20, tensions escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan confronted Akpabio over the unauthorized change, leading to a heated exchange on the Senate floor.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Alleges Inappropriate Advances
Recounting the alleged incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio made inappropriate remarks during his birthday celebration in Akwa Ibom.
According to her, while showing her around his residence, Akpabio allegedly hinted at spending “quality time together” and suggested that she would “enjoy it.”
“At that point, I pulled away and told him I didn’t understand what he meant,” she recounted.
She further revealed that her husband, who was present at the event, sensed her discomfort and later warned her against traveling alone or visiting Akpabio’s guest house.
The allegations have sparked widespread reactions, intensifying the political rift between the two lawmakers. Akpabio is yet to respond to the claims.
Video: “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 reveals on Arise TV Morning Show
pic.twitter.com/tNBninFiDo— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) February 28, 2025