One of Nigeria’s top politicians, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by a fellow senator.
During Wednesday’s senate session, Senate President Akpabio stated that he was raised with strong values by his late mother and had never harassed any woman.
The allegations were made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in an interview with Arise Television on Friday. She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023, he made inappropriate advances toward her.
According to her, Akpabio took her by the hand, led her around his house, and made suggestive remarks while her husband walked behind them, talking on his phone.
She also alleged that on a separate occasion, Akpabio hinted that she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions in the senate to be treated favorably. She compared his behavior to that of a university lecturer who fails a student for refusing to have a relationship with him.
Akpabio, however, dismissed the claims.
“I have never harassed any woman. I was raised properly by my late single mother, and I have always respected women. I was even honored as the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he stated.
The allegations have sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many calling for an independent investigation.
Former Senate President and Akpabio’s political rival, Bukola Saraki, stated in a social media post that the claims were too serious to be ignored.
On Wednesday, two groups of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly in Abuja—one supporting Akpabio and the other backing Uduaghan—chanting slogans like “Akpabio must go.”
During the plenary session, Senator Uduaghan formally submitted a petition, urging an investigation into Akpabio’s conduct. In response, Akpabio allowed the petition to proceed and directed that it be reviewed by the Senate Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Public Petitions.
Before becoming Senate President less than two years ago, Akpabio served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State for eight years and later as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari.