Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has publicly asserted that she possesses irrefutable evidence to support her claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. This revelation comes amid an ongoing controversy that has drawn significant attention within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made this declaration on Saturday while addressing the controversy surrounding her allegations. She particularly called on Unoma Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, to remove herself from the matter and refrain from intervening in the allegations directed at her husband. According to the Kogi senator, the accusations pertain strictly to Godswill Akpabio, and he alone should be responsible for defending himself against them.
Genesis of the Conflict
The discord between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio reportedly began when the Kogi senator objected to a reassignment of her seat within the Senate chamber. Her refusal to comply with the new seating arrangement is believed to have triggered friction between the two lawmakers. However, the situation escalated dramatically when Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly detailed what she described as persistent acts of victimization by Akpabio.
On Friday, she took to various platforms to outline how the Senate President had allegedly subjected her to intimidation and professional obstruction after she refused his purported sexual advances. According to her, Akpabio not only disregarded her motions in the Senate but also actively maligned her, attempting to tarnish her reputation and career. She further claimed that he employed intimidation tactics to make her position in the Senate increasingly difficult, all because she rebuffed his alleged inappropriate overtures.
Unoma Akpabio’s Response
In response to these allegations, Unoma Akpabio came out strongly in defense of her husband. She dismissed the accusations as false, suggesting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was merely seeking attention and creating controversy for personal gains. According to Unoma, the claims were entirely baseless and were aimed at misleading the public while painting her husband in a negative light.
Unoma’s reaction, however, did not deter Akpoti-Uduaghan from standing her ground. Instead, she chose to address the Senate President’s wife formally through a legal medium.
The Legal Notice
On March 1, 2025, a legal letter was issued on behalf of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by her lawyer, Victor Giwa, and directed to Unoma Akpabio. The letter served as a firm warning, advising Unoma to steer clear of the controversy surrounding the sexual harassment allegations. It was titled: “Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family.”
In the legal document, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her stance, insisting that her accusations were backed by solid evidence. She emphasized that the matter should be handled solely between herself and Akpabio, without external interference. The letter explicitly advised Unoma to allow her husband to respond to the allegations himself, warning that involvement in the matter could take a toll on her emotional and mental well-being.
A portion of the letter read: “Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We suggest that you leave the defense of these allegations to the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family.”
Escalation to Legal Action
Rather than heeding the warning, Unoma Akpabio took a decisive step by filing a lawsuit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The case was brought before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Unoma accused the Kogi senator of defamation and infringement on her fundamental rights.
In the lawsuit, Unoma is demanding a staggering N350 billion in damages, arguing that the allegations have not only smeared her husband’s reputation but also caused emotional distress to her and her family. The lawsuit aims to hold Akpoti-Uduaghan accountable for what Unoma perceives as false and damaging claims against her spouse.
The Political and Social Implications
The unfolding legal battle has sparked widespread debate in political and social circles, with many weighing in on the matter. Some observers view Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations as a bold and courageous step toward addressing sexual misconduct in Nigerian politics, a domain that has long been shrouded in secrecy regarding such issues. Her claims have ignited discussions on gender dynamics in governance and the potential abuse of power by individuals in influential positions.
On the other hand, supporters of Akpabio have stood firmly behind him, dismissing the allegations as a politically motivated attack. They argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations could be an attempt to discredit the Senate President and undermine his authority. Some have also speculated that the controversy might be fueled by underlying political rivalries within the Senate.
Meanwhile, legal experts have highlighted the complexities of the case, noting that sexual harassment allegations involving high-ranking officials often face challenges due to issues of proof and political influence. If Akpoti-Uduaghan indeed possesses the “concrete evidence” she claims to have, the case could significantly impact Akpabio’s political standing.
The Role of the Nigerian Legal System
The Nigerian legal framework provides avenues for addressing both sexual harassment and defamation claims, but cases of this nature often become protracted due to the high-profile individuals involved. Should Akpoti-Uduaghan present substantial evidence, the case could serve as a landmark in the fight against sexual misconduct within Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
Conversely, if Unoma Akpabio’s defamation lawsuit succeeds, it could deter future allegations of this nature, potentially discouraging individuals from coming forward with similar claims due to fear of legal retaliation.
What Happens Next?
With legal proceedings now underway, all eyes will be on how the judiciary handles this high-stakes case. The coming weeks and months are likely to see intense courtroom battles, media scrutiny, and continued political discourse surrounding the allegations.
For Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, this is a defining moment in her career. If she substantiates her claims, she could emerge as a powerful advocate against harassment in Nigeria’s political landscape. However, if the case tilts in favor of Akpabio and his wife, it could significantly damage her credibility and political future.
As Nigerians follow this unfolding saga, the case serves as a reminder of the broader challenges surrounding power, gender, and justice in the country’s political system. The outcome of this dispute will not only affect the individuals involved but could also set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future.
