How Akpabio’s sexual moves towards me created rift between us – Natasha
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her, claiming that her refusal led to political retaliation and a strained relationship between them.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE TV on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio’s actions have influenced legislative decisions against her, including the deliberate obstruction of her motions in the Senate. She also accused him of orchestrating the reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber without her consent.
The controversy between the two escalated recently when the Kogi senator was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions following a heated altercation with Akpabio over her seat reassignment. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), has been given two weeks to report back on the matter.
Amid the ongoing tension, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N100.3 billion fundamental human rights lawsuit against Akpabio.
“It All Started in December 2023”
Detailing the genesis of their conflict, the senator revealed that her issues with Akpabio began on December 8, 2023, when she and her husband attended the Senate President’s birthday celebration in Akwa Ibom.
“Akpabio was showing me around his house, holding my hands, while my husband followed behind us,” she recounted. “Then he told me he wanted me to spend special moments in his house. My husband heard him and later warned me not to travel alone or be with him in private.”
She likened her experience to a student being punished by a lecturer for rejecting his advances, insisting that her refusal to comply with Akpabio’s alleged requests led to political and legislative obstacles in the Senate.
Alleged Obstruction of Ajaokuta Steel Motion
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused Akpabio of deliberately blocking her motion on corruption in Ajaokuta Steel Company, despite multiple attempts to have it listed for debate.
“I listed that motion five times before it was finally approved on the sixth attempt. Many senators can confirm this,” she said.
Recalling a private conversation with Akpabio regarding the motion, she claimed he suggested she would benefit politically if she “took care of him.”
“He said, ‘Natasha, I’m the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate, and you can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me. Make me happy.’ I told him I would pretend I didn’t hear that. Then he said, ‘Well, the ball is in your court.’”
No Response Yet from Akpabio
Senator Akpabio has yet to publicly respond to these allegations, which have since gained widespread attention online. However, the unfolding drama continues to stir heated reactions within political and public circles.
