Senate President Godswill Akpabio has found himself at the centre of multiple controversies involving serious allegations of misconduct towards women, raising significant concerns about his conduct in public office.
Allegations by Joi Nunieh
In 2020, Joi Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Nunieh claimed that during her time in office, Akpabio made inappropriate advances, leading her to physically defend herself. She stated, “I slapped Akpabio for sexually harassing me.”
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Akpabio vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as a “litany of lies.” He emphasised his commitment to ethical conduct and even threatened legal action against Nunieh for defamation.
Altercation with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
More recently, in February 2025, Akpabio came under heavy criticism for his remarks towards Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during a Senate plenary session.
The Senate President compared her conduct to that of a nightclub, a comment widely perceived as sexist and demeaning. The remark sparked an outcry, particularly among women’s groups, who labelled the comment as an example of gender discrimination within Nigeria’s political institutions.
In response to the backlash, Akpabio issued an apology, saying, “Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologise to you.”
However, despite his apology, the incident has continued to fuel debates about gender inequality and the treatment of women in Nigeria’s political sphere.
As Akpabio’s controversies continue to dominate public discourse, questions about his suitability to hold the office of Senate President remain at the forefront of national conversations.
Sexual harassment
Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan, recently, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpoti-Uduaghan made the allegation during an interview with Arise Television on Friday.
She alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances.
The Kogi lawmaker added that by rejecting Apkabio’s sexual advances, she was subjected to persistent harassment and malignment in his home in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, and his office.
“My case is a case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.”
Speaking further, Akpoti-Uduaghan said some senators had warned her to adhere to the seat change because it was a trap.
