Senate Backs Akpabio Amid Sexual Harassment Controversy

The Nigerian Senate has passed a vote of confidence in its president, Godswill Akpabio, despite mounting controversy over sexual harassment allegations leveled against him.

The motion, moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on Thursday, aimed to reaffirm the Senate’s support for Akpabio. It was seconded by Olalere Oyewumi, Deputy Minority Leader and Senator representing Osun West.

The development comes just days after Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central, publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York.

“Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told the IPU.

However, Senate Leader Bamidele dismissed the claim, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was unrelated to her allegations against Akpabio. According to him, the action was based on a complaint filed by Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu regarding her conduct in the chamber.

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Bamidele also emphasized that the sexual harassment case is currently before the courts, adding that the Senate would not interfere with legal proceedings.

Despite the controversy, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin called for a vote on the motion to support Akpabio—an endorsement that was met with a resounding “aye” from the chamber.