The Nigerian political arena is witnessing heightened tensions as Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has initiated legal proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This action follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President.
Allegations and Legal Counteractions
On February 28, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, accused Senate President Akpabio of making unwelcome sexual advances during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. She claimed that her refusal led to subsequent victimization within the Senate.
In response, Mrs. Akpabio filed two lawsuits at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, alleging defamation and violation of fundamental rights. She is seeking ₦250 billion in damages and a public apology from Akpoti-Uduaghan, to be published in two national newspapers.
Specifics of the Lawsuits
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Fundamental Rights Violation (Suit No: CV/814/25): Mrs. Akpabio asserts that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements during a Senate session on February 20, 2025, and a subsequent interview on Arise News, caused her and her children emotional and psychological distress. She seeks a declaration that these allegations violate her fundamental rights, an order restraining further such statements, and ₦250 billion in damages.
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Defamation (Suit No: CV/816/25): Mrs. Akpabio contends that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims have tarnished her family’s reputation. She demands a formal written retraction, an unconditional public apology in The Guardian and ThisDay newspapers, ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages, and a perpetual injunction preventing further defamatory statements.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Stance
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained her allegations, asserting she possesses concrete evidence to substantiate her claims. She has advised Mrs. Akpabio to refrain from involving herself in the matter, suggesting that the Senate President should address the allegations personally.
Calls for Investigation
The National Council of State Civil Societies Network (NCSCN) has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations, emphasizing the importance of addressing such serious claims within the nation’s political framework.
Senate’s Position
Despite public outcry, the Senate has stated it cannot probe the allegations against the Senate President due to the absence of an official petition. Akpabio’s aide, Eseme Eyiboh, highlighted that no formal complaint has been lodged, thereby limiting the Senate’s capacity to act on the matter.
This unfolding legal confrontation underscores the escalating tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, as both parties prepare to substantiate their claims and defenses in court.
