Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has advised Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to stay out of the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation she has made against her husband. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate, insists that the Senate President should defend himself without interference from his wife.
The disagreement between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio started after she refused to sit in a designated seat during a Senate session, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules. The situation worsened when she appeared on Arise News on Friday, accusing Akpabio of blocking her motions, maligning her, 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 and described them as baseless. She emphasized that both families had maintained a cordial relationship for years, even before Akpoti-Uduaghan got married.
Natasha’s Warning to Akpabio’s Wife
Following Mrs. Akpabio’s comments, Akpoti-Uduaghan sent her a formal letter on March 1, 2025, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa.
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,” urged the Senate President’s wife not to interfere in the matter.
“The allegations are personal to the Senate President, and our client believes he has the capacity to defend himself and refute any of these allegations against him,” the letter stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said she had tolerated harassment from Akpabio for too long and was now compelled to speak out. She accused him of victimizing her in the Senate and making her experience “torture” in the red chambers.
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‘I Have Concrete Evidence’—Natasha
In the letter, Akpoti-Uduaghan also claimed she had enough evidence to support her accusations and suggested that Mrs. Akpabio step aside and let her husband handle his own defense.
“Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We suggest that you leave the defense of the allegations to the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family,” the letter continued.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian women.
“She remains resolute in her stand for Nigerian women and, as a family woman, will continue to uphold our common heritage and family values,” her lawyer added.
A Growing Political Feud
This latest development comes amid a heated legal and political battle between the two lawmakers. Mrs. Akpabio has already filed two lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding ₦250 billion in damages for defamation and violation of her fundamental human rights. In turn, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed her own defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his senior aide, Mfon Patrick, demanding ₦100 billion in compensation.
The conflict has captured national attention, with many Nigerians eager to see how the allegations and lawsuits unfold. The court has yet to fix a date for the hearings.