Ekaette Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has strongly dismissed allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, describing them as false and baseless.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio stated that the claims were fabricated and lacked any merit.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier alleged that her troubles in the Senate stemmed from rejecting inappropriate advances from Senate President Akpabio.
She cited an incident on December 8, 2023, claiming the misconduct occurred in the presence of her husband. These allegations were made public during her interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show.
Responding to the claims, Mrs. Akpabio refuted the allegations, asserting that both families had always maintained a cordial relationship.
She insisted she was present on the said date at their residence and saw no such incident take place. Dismissing the accusations as fictitious, she stressed that her husband is a disciplined man known for championing women’s participation in governance long before assuming the role of Senate President.
She further urged women to avoid making baseless allegations and revealed plans to pursue legal action to address the claims made against her husband.
The controversy adds to the history of tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. On February 20, 2025, during a Senate session, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned without prior notification, prompting her to challenge the decision.
The situation escalated into a heated argument, during which Akpabio ordered the sergeant-at-arms to enforce the seat change.
Another notable confrontation occurred in July 2024 during a plenary session when Akpabio reprimanded Akpoti-Uduaghan for speaking without formal recognition, remarking, “This is not a nightclub.”
The comment drew widespread criticism, prompting Akpabio to issue a public apology, clarifying that he never intended to demean women and emphasizing his respect for them.
Beyond the Senate chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan has initiated a legal battle against Akpabio, filing a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against the Senate President and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick.
The suit, lodged at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, alleges that defamatory statements about her were made and circulated on social media, causing reputational harm.
One key point of contention is a Facebook post titled, “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” The post reportedly included statements implying that Akpoti-Uduaghan viewed her role as a lawmaker as nothing more than an opportunity to “pancake her face and wear transparent outfits to the Chambers.”
The senator claims the post subjected her to public ridicule, caused her to lose business opportunities, and damaged her standing among her colleagues and constituents.
She is seeking ₦100 billion in general damages, ₦300 million in legal fees, a public apology, and a court order preventing further defamatory publications.
