Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making repeated sexual advances towards her, both inside and outside the Senate.
In an emotional interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted multiple instances where Akpabio allegedly made suggestive remarks, including one where he commented on her not wearing a wedding ring, saying, “Is this an invitation to treat?”
She also described a particularly disturbing comment: “Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.”
These remarks were allegedly made in front of other senators, who reportedly laughed along.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed the emotional toll the harassment had taken on her, breaking down in tears as she spoke about the victim-shaming and intimidation she has faced.
“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?” she said.
In response, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi dismissed the accusations, stating, “Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true.”
He also rejected Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that the Senate is trying to silence her.
The accusations come after Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following an altercation with Akpabio.
This suspension was seen by many as a possible retaliation after she filed a sexual harassment petition against the Senate President.
Akpabio himself has previously denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he has “the highest regard for women.”
The case has sparked widespread discussion about sexual harassment in Nigeria’s political sphere, with several female parliamentarians from across Africa reaching out to Akpoti-Uduaghan to offer their support.