On February 28, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared live on Arise TV. In that interview, she leveled serious accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha claimed he sexually harassed her and has continuously undermined her role in the Senate. Moreover, she said that her troubles began when she refused his advances.
Previously, in December 2023, Natasha visited Akpabio’s house in Uyo. During the tour, he took her to a sitting room. Then he asked, “Do you like my house?” Natasha replied, “Of course, nice sitting room, nice interior, quality taste.” However, he continued by saying, “Now that you’re a senator, I am going to create time for us to come to spend quality moments here you’ll enjoy it.” At that point, Natasha pulled away and thought, “I don’t understand what that meant.”
Furthermore, Natasha revealed another disturbing incident. In February 2025, she tried to move a motion on the ills of the Ajaokuta steel company. She listed the motion five times. Yet, on its sixth appearance, the Senate approved it only after Akpabio intervened. Each time the motion came to the floor, he blocked it by saying,
“We can’t take this motion because the mood of the Senate does not accommodate it.”
Consequently, Natasha confronted him in his office. She said, “Senate President, you know how important this Ajaokuta Steel Company is to me, my people, and Nigeria.” Then he replied, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.” At that moment, Natasha chose to ignore his lewd words.
In addition, Natasha argued that his actions clearly aimed to silence her. She maintained that his behavior followed a pattern targeting female lawmakers. Therefore, she insisted that every senator deserves respect in parliamentary debates. Meanwhile, her brave testimony sparked fierce debates in Nigeria’s political circles.
Moreover, women’s rights groups such as Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW) condemned Akpabio’s actions. They stated that his treatment of Natasha reflected deep-rooted gender bias. Additionally, these advocates urged Senate leaders to protect female lawmakers from harassment. Conversely, some stakeholders from the Niger Delta criticized Natasha. They called her behavior “unwomanly” and a disgrace to her constituents. Thus, political opinions split sharply over her claims.
Soon after the interview, Senate officials took immediate action. They referred Natasha to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. This committee will review her conduct regarding the seating reassignment dispute and her confrontations with Akpabio. In doing so, Senate leaders vowed to restore order and uphold ethical standards.
Furthermore, Natasha remains firm in her stance. She continues to demand equal treatment for all female senators. Her supporters argue that her courageous disclosure exposes systemic issues in Nigerian politics. They hope that her actions will force long-overdue reforms. Additionally, many call for transparent procedures to handle internal disputes. As a result, this controversy has ignited a broader conversation on gender equity in government.
In summary, Natasha’s bold remarks have rattled the Senate. She confronted Akpabio’s harassment and exposed his abuse of power. Consequently, her interview has stirred debates on respect, dignity, and gender equality. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Senate can address these serious issues and move forward with true integrity.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan alleges that the Senate President Akpabio propositioned her, and blocked her motions from being heard on the floor pic.twitter.com/XAXFPVVXRP
— Adesuwa G (@Adesuwa_G) February 28, 2025