Akpabio Dismisses Allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Baseless
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as “useless accusations” stemming from a change in her seat within the Red Chamber.
Akpabio also stated that the suspended lawmaker had not only targeted him but had also traumatized others with similar claims in the past.
His remarks come amid mounting criticism following the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.
Defending himself at an event marking International Women’s Day on Saturday, Akpabio insisted he was innocent and suggested that her allegations were a reaction to being reassigned to a different seat and committee.
“It was only yesterday that I realized all this started after her seat and committee were changed,” Akpabio stated. “That’s when all these allegations suddenly surfaced.”
He pointed out that the alleged incident supposedly occurred on December 8, 2023, yet no complaints were made until much later.
“From that date, neither I, my wife, nor any Nigerian heard about any allegations—not even her husband—until her committee and seat were reassigned,” he added.
Akpabio further claimed that none of the accusations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, against him or others in the past, had ever been proven.
“This kind of baseless claim damages the image of the 10th Senate and causes unnecessary controversy,” he said. “I have chosen not to speak on this issue, but I wonder—what about the trauma she has caused others she previously accused?”
He concluded by addressing women present at the event, asking if any of them had ever experienced harassment from him. “Or does she think you are not beautiful enough?” he joked.