Atiku To Tinubu, Senate: Probe Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Godswill Akpabio
Atiku in a statement on Friday expressed deep concerns over the claims raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment.
Nigerian former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Atiku in a statement on Friday expressed deep concerns over the claims raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment.
The former vice president emphasised that such allegations must not be ignored but subjected to a credible investigation.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku stated.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.”
He underscored the importance of integrity in public office, noting that the Nigerian Senate must uphold the highest standards of dignity and respect. “The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
SaharaReporters has earlier on Friday reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that she is facing political punishment for rejecting his advances.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that Akpabio had made unwanted advances toward her and is now retaliating against her refusal.
She also revealed that she has substantial evidence, including screenshots of their conversations, and challenged security agencies to investigate.
Atiku stressed that as the third most powerful figure in the country, Akpabio should set an example of unimpeachable character. “Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress,” he noted.
Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
These allegations are grave and deserve a…
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) February 28, 2025
“Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.”
He further highlighted that the Senate President has a responsibility to protect and empower Nigerian women rather than being the subject of allegations that undermine those principles.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” he stated.
According to Atiku, the way this case is handled will determine Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“The handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance,” he asserted.
He urged the presidency and the Senate to take decisive action by ensuring an independent and transparent investigation.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation,” he said.
Atiku also pointed out the gender imbalance in the Senate, where only four women currently serve, stressing the need to create an atmosphere free of harassment or intimidation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he stated.
He concluded by calling for principled action to protect the dignity of all Nigerians.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku said.
