Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, has alleged that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking in an explosive interview on Arise TV on Friday morning, closely monitored by Truth Live News, Akpoti-Uduaghan likened her experience to a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to engage in a sexual relationship.
“Mine is the case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him,” she stated.
Tensions between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan boiled over on February 20 during a Senate session when the lawmaker resisted a change in her assigned seat. The disagreement led to a heated exchange on the floor of the chamber, but according to Akpoti-Uduaghan, this was only the culmination of a deeper issue.
“The seat change was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Many people don’t know what I’m about to say, but I’m going to speak my own truth. The Senate President is allowed to counter that,” she declared.
Alleged Incident at Akpabio’s Residence
Revealing the alleged incident that sparked her ordeal, the Kogi senator recalled that Akpabio made advances toward her on December 8, 2023, when she and her husband visited his home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for his birthday celebration.
Detailing the encounter, she recounted how Akpabio held her hand while giving her a tour of his home, with her husband walking behind them.
“He hastened his pace while still holding my hands… He got to this particular sitting room and he said, ‘Now that you are a senator, I’m going to create time for us to come and spend quality moments here. You will enjoy it.’ At that point, I just pulled away… I didn’t understand what he meant,” she narrated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that her husband, who had been walking closely behind, later warned her never to travel alone or visit Akpabio’s guest house again.
The allegations have sparked widespread reactions, with political analysts suggesting that this revelation could further deepen the rift within the Senate leadership. Akpabio is yet to respond to the claims, but observers anticipate a strong denial from his camp.