Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to refrain from involving herself in the ongoing sexual harassment and intimidation allegations against her husband.
The dispute has intensified in recent days, drawing national attention.
The conflict began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to sit in a designated seat during a Senate session, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules. Tensions escalated after she appeared on Arise News last Friday, where she accused Senate President Akpabio of blocking her motions, tarnishing her reputation, and intimidating her after she allegedly rejected his advances.
In response, Mrs. Akpabio held a press conference in Abuja, dismissing the accusations as baseless. She emphasized that their families had shared a cordial relationship long before Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s marriage.
However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the matter was personal to the Senate President and that he should defend himself without interference.
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,” stressed that Mrs. Akpabio should not insert herself into the issue.
“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,” the letter read.
It further stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had endured harassment from Akpabio but was now compelled to speak out.
“While she has tolerated all the harassment from the Senate President, she was constrained to reveal the unfortunate torture and victimization which she has been going through in the red chambers under the hand of the Senate President.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that she has concrete evidence to back up her claims and urged Mrs. Akpabio to let her husband address the accusations independently.
“Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We will 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.
The Senator reaffirmed her dedication to defending Nigerian women and upholding family values.
“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,” she stated.
The unfolding dispute continues to stir reactions across the country as observers await further developments.
