Akpoti-Uduaghan Warns Akpabio’s Wife to Stay Out of Harassment Allegations

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called on Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to refrain from intervening in the ongoing allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation involving her husband.

The dispute began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to occupy a designated seat during a recent Senate session, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules. Tensions escalated when, during an interview on Arise News last Friday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of blocking her motions, tarnishing her reputation, and intimidating her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.

In response, Mrs. Akpabio held a press conference in Abuja, where she dismissed the allegations as unfounded, highlighting the long-standing cordial relationship between the Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan families, which predates the latter’s marriage.

However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the Senate President’s wife to stay out of the matter. The letter, titled *“Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family,”* insisted that the allegations were personal to her husband and should be left for him to address.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed she had endured harassment from Akpabio but felt compelled to speak out due to the gravity of the situation. The letter stated: “Our client is not desirous of calling you out into the unfortunate saga concerning her allegations against the Senate President, and wishes that you restrain yourself from delving into the obscene circumstances.”

She further emphasized that she had concrete evidence to substantiate her claims and urged Mrs. Akpabio to allow her husband to defend himself. “We suggest that you leave the defense of the allegations for the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family,” the letter added.

In conclusion, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her dedication to defending Nigerian women and upholding family values, stating, “Our client remains resolute in the defense of Nigerian women and as a family woman, she will continue to maintain our common heritage and family values.”

The Senate President has yet to publicly respond to the serious accusations.