Presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar has weighed in on the discourse between the Senate President and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senator Natasha, on the 28th of February, 2025, broke open a Pandora’s box, revealing a hideous secret about the Senate President’s amorous advances towards her. The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District alleged that on the 8th of December, 2023, she and her husband, the Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, visited Godswill Akpabio in a celebratory mood. She recounted that as the guests partied that night, Akpabio held her by the hands and took her on a tour through his mansion while Natasha’s husband, who was on a call, followed from behind unsuspiciously.
According to Senator Natasha, Godswill Akpabio mentioned that he would love for them to occasionally visit the place he had shown her to have some good times. Taken aback by his unprecedented remarks, Natasha claimed to have pulled back while simultaneously taking her hands off his grip, much to the suspicion of Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, who would later ask Natasha questions about her sudden change in body language and demeanor.
In a bid to shroud the issue in secrecy, and owing largely to the ties the two families shared, Natasha made up fictitious remarks to ward off her husband’s suspicion. That incident, according to her, was the event that ushered in an inexplicable transition in the personality of the Senate President for her.
Responding to the allegations that have generated a heated debate in Nigeria, the opposition party’s frontline man, Atiku Abubakar, opined that Natasha’s allegations should involve an all-encompassing investigation that is devoid of the echelons of the two persons involved.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it โ especially its leadership โ must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve.
As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.” The former vice president continued: “Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation โ not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles. The handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeriaโs commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.”
I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation. “With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation. This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect.”
About the Author
