Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stands Firm on Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Senate President Akpabio

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reaffirmed her resolve to pursue her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio exclusively through the courts, rejecting demands for public substantiation. The embattled lawmaker’s stance comes in response to a second formal letter from Akpabio’s lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba, dated April 22, 2025, which followed an unacknowledged request on April 14. Agbakoba called for Natasha to retract her claims, citing a lack of substance and pointing to alleged contradictions, notably her praise of Akpabio on social media the day after the claimed harassment on December 8, 2023.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Agbakoba argued that Natasha’s allegations fell short of the legal threshold for sexual harassment, highlighting her failure to clarify inconsistencies. Natasha, however, denied ever receiving Agbakoba’s letters, asserting they were neither delivered by email, courier, nor in person. She accused Akpabio’s legal team of orchestrating a “coordinated media campaign” to discredit her, while criticizing their selective invocation of the subjudice rule. “They blocked a Senate inquiry citing subjudice, yet now engage in public commentary on the same matter,” she stated, labeling the approach hypocritical.

In a strongly worded statement, Natasha stood by her February 28 complaint, vowing to seek justice both domestically and internationally. “The assessment of evidence belongs to the courts alone,” she declared, emphasizing that demands for public disclosure outside judicial processes risk undermining the rule of law. She further argued that Akpabio’s team displayed a “narrow perspective” on sexual harassment, failing to align with global protocols on the issue. “The nature of your demand for evidence indicates a broader misconception of what truly amounts to sexual harassment,” her statement read, accusing Akpabio of attempting to trivialize the matter.

Natasha’s defiance has intensified an already contentious saga, which began with her six-month Senate suspension on March 6, 2025, for alleged gross misconduct following a dispute with Akpabio. Her allegations have sparked widespread debate, with supporters praising her courage and critics questioning the veracity of her claims. As legal proceedings continue, with a Federal High Court hearing adjourned to May 6, 2025, Natasha remains steadfast, insisting that only the courts can validate her evidence. Her case underscores broader issues of gender dynamics and power struggles in Nigeria’s legislative chambers, drawing both national and international attention to the fight for accountability and justice.