A storm of outrage swept through Abuja on Wednesday as supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and civil society groups besieged the National Assembly, demanding the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment.
Chanting slogans and wielding banners with bold inscriptions like “Akpabio Must Go” and “Protect Women’s Rights”, the demonstrators insisted on a full-scale investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s explosive claims. The senator had recently alleged during a live television interview that Akpabio persistently harassed her and orchestrated political intimidation after she rebuffed his alleged advances.
The controversy, which has set the Senate ablaze, traces back to a February 20, 2025, seating arrangement dispute—an incident Akpoti-Uduaghan believes was deliberate retaliation for rejecting Akpabio’s purported propositions.
A spokesperson for the demonstrators emphasized that their protest was a fight for justice.
"We are here to demand accountability. No woman should face intimidation for standing her ground. Akpabio must step aside for a fair probe,” the spokesperson declared.
Despite the uproar, the Senate leadership has remained tight-lipped, and Akpabio himself has yet to issue a response. Meanwhile, security operatives closely monitored the demonstration, which remained peaceful.
With the scandal gaining momentum, all eyes are now on the National Assembly for what happens next.