BREAKING: Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations, begs Nigerians to await court verdict

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

His response came after Akpoti-Uduaghan formally submitted a petition to the Senate on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, reinforcing her claims.

Speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules during a live session monitored by News360 Nigeria, the senator representing Kogi Central stated that she had previously made the allegations in a televised interview but was now officially presenting them before the Senate.

In his defense, Akpabio stated, “I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter.”

“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother, who died in the year 2000.”

He further added that he has four daughters and was honored as “the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria” during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor between 2007 and 2015.

Akpabio urged Nigerians and the media not to jump to conclusions but to await the court’s decision.

“I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and members of the social media, to await the court decision and, please, do not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the petition submission led to a divided Senate as Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) opposed referring the matter to the Ethics Committee.

He cited Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, arguing that the issue was sub judice since both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, were already in court over a related matter.

Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) also opposed the petition’s referral and suggested a closed-door session instead.

Despite the debates, Akpabio ruled that the Senate would proceed with the day’s business, citing the presence of visitors in the gallery.

This development follows a heated confrontation in the Senate two weeks ago when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat and removal of her nameplate, demanding an explanation for what she described as an unjustified action.