The Nigerian Senate was thrown into turmoil as Senate President Godswill Akpabio vehemently denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Kogi senator formally submitted a petition on March 5, 2025, reigniting a controversy she had previously aired in a televised interview.
Akpabio, clearly unfazed, dismissed the claims as baseless, asserting that his upbringing and track record as a gender-friendly leader make such accusations implausible. But the storm was far from over. A heated debate ensued over whether the Senate should entertain the petition, with Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno arguing that the matter was already before a court and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele backed this stance, advocating for a closed-door discussion to prevent further public spectacle.
Yet, in a move that kept tensions high, Akpabio sidestepped the controversy and continued with Senate proceedings, citing the presence of visitors in the gallery. This latest drama follows a recent clash between the two senators over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat reassignment in the chamber—an issue that had already stoked political embers.
As accusations fly and political tensions mount, the nation watches closely. Is this a case of justice seeking its course, or a political battle taking a personal turn?