Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly dismissed the allegations leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, categorically labeling them as baseless, false, and politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation.
According to Akpabio, these accusations only surfaced after significant changes were made regarding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat in the Senate chamber and her committee assignment, raising questions about the timing and intent behind her claims. He suggested that her allegations were simply a reaction to these adjustments, rather than being based on any factual occurrences.
The Senate President made these remarks while addressing an audience at an event commemorating International Women’s Day on Saturday. He maintained that the allegations were not only completely unfounded but were also aimed at discrediting his name and undermining the integrity of the Nigerian Senate.
“It was only yesterday that I realized that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up—only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my Senators know happens from time to time,” he stated while addressing attendees.
Providing further clarification, the Senate President pointed out that the alleged incident was said to have taken place on December 8, 2023—a day before his birthday. However, he noted that neither he, his wife, nor any Nigerian had heard any accusations at the time, raising suspicions about why these claims were only being made months later, after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s committee reassignment.
He further questioned the credibility of the accusations, stating: “This is said to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the stadium in 2023. So from December 8, 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even her husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment—until her committee was changed, and then her seat was changed.”
The allegations have generated widespread public debate, especially following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate. While some Nigerians have expressed concerns over the Senate’s decision to suspend her, others have questioned the timing and motive behind her accusations.
Akpabio, however, remained steadfast in his defense, pointing out that similar allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan in the past against other individuals had also not been proven. He highlighted the potential damage such accusations could cause to public figures and institutions, particularly the Nigerian Senate.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman to the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations?” Akpabio questioned during his speech.
In an effort to further defend his integrity, the Senate President emphasized that he had worked with many women throughout his career without any record of misconduct or inappropriate behavior. He turned to some of the women in the audience and posed a rhetorical question to highlight his point.
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?” he asked, further dismissing the accusations as unfounded.
His remarks have continued to fuel discussions about the circumstances surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, with some Nigerians questioning whether her removal from the Senate floor was justified or a form of political retaliation.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how this dispute will impact the Nigerian Senate and the political landscape in the coming months.