Senator Natasha Stands Firm: “I Have Evidence” in Response to Akpabio’s Wife Over Harassment Claims

The escalating feud between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio took a dramatic turn on March 1, 2025, as the Kogi Central lawmaker fiercely countered remarks from Akpabio’s wife, Unoma Akpabio. In a bold rebuttal, Natasha declared she possesses “concrete evidence” to substantiate her allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, urging Unoma to step back and let her husband face the accusations head-on. The fiery exchange has thrust Nigeria’s political elite into a maelstrom of controversy, igniting debates about power, gender, and accountability in the nation’s hallowed Red Chamber.

The Genesis of the Conflict

The saga began when Natasha, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, publicly accused Akpabio of inappropriate behavior during a television interview on February 28, 2025. She claimed that her troubles in the Senate—ranging from blocked motions to public reprimands—stemmed from rejecting what she described as sexual advances from the Senate President. Natasha alleged that Akpabio had hinted at personal favors in exchange for legislative support, a charge that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape. The accusations painted a troubling picture of a powerful figure allegedly leveraging his position to intimidate a female colleague, amplifying long-standing concerns about gender dynamics in Nigerian governance.

Unoma Akpabio swiftly entered the fray, defending her husband’s character and reputation. In a press conference held in Abuja on February 28, she dismissed Natasha’s claims as baseless fabrications, portraying Godswill Akpabio as a disciplined family man incapable of such misconduct. Unoma argued that the Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan families had enjoyed a cordial relationship for years, questioning why Natasha would now level such grave accusations. She further escalated the dispute by filing a defamation lawsuit against Natasha at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking N250 billion in damages and a court order to silence the senator’s allegations.

Natasha’s Defiant Response

Unoma’s legal offensive did little to deter Natasha, who fired back with a scathing letter dated March 1, 2025, penned by her lawyer, Victor Giwa. Titled “Stay Away from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Senate President Godswill Akpabio To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family,” the letter was a direct challenge to Unoma’s involvement. Natasha asserted that the dispute was between her and the Senate President alone, urging his wife to refrain from meddling in a matter she claimed was grounded in undeniable proof.

“Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations,” the letter stated, doubling down on Natasha’s earlier television remarks. “We suggest that you leave the defense of these allegations to the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family.” The senator framed her decision to speak out as a last resort, driven by months of alleged harassment and victimization in the Senate. She positioned herself as a champion of Nigerian women, unwilling to be silenced by intimidation or legal threats.

Natasha’s insistence on having evidence has fueled speculation about what she might unveil. Could it be recorded conversations, documented interactions, or witness testimonies? While specifics remain under wraps, her confidence has kept the public and media on edge, awaiting the next chapter in this high-stakes showdown.

A Broader Political Firestorm

The controversy has transcended a personal spat, morphing into a national talking point about ethics and power in Nigeria’s legislature. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki weighed in on March 1, calling for an open investigation by the Senate’s disciplinary committee to protect the institution’s integrity. “The Senate must rise above individual interests and address this matter transparently,” Saraki urged, reflecting a growing chorus of voices demanding accountability.

Meanwhile, Unoma’s lawsuit has drawn scrutiny of its own. Legal analysts question whether her N250 billion claim—pegged to emotional distress and reputational harm—stands a chance in court without the Senate President himself as a co-plaintiff. Critics argue that her decision to sue independently could undermine Akpabio’s ability to respond directly, potentially weakening their defense. Others see it as a calculated move to shift focus from the allegations to a narrative of family victimhood.

Public and Political Reactions

The public response has been polarized. Supporters of Natasha, particularly women’s advocacy groups, have hailed her courage in confronting a powerful figure, viewing her stand as a blow against systemic misogyny in Nigerian politics. On social media platforms like X, posts have circulated praising her resilience, with some users claiming additional evidence may soon surface to bolster her case. Conversely, Akpabio’s allies, including prominent figures from Akwa Ibom State, have rallied to his defense, decrying the allegations as a political smear aimed at tarnishing his legacy.

Within the Senate, the rift has exposed tensions among lawmakers. Some female senators, like Ireti Kingibe, have distanced themselves from Natasha’s claims, denying any collective experience of harassment. Others remain silent, perhaps wary of the repercussions of taking sides in a dispute involving the chamber’s most powerful member.

What Lies Ahead

As of March 2, 2025, the situation remains fluid. Natasha’s next move—whether to present her evidence publicly or reserve it for a legal battle—will likely dictate the trajectory of this scandal. For Akpabio, the pressure is mounting to address the allegations directly, rather than relying on his wife’s counteroffensive. His silence thus far has only amplified calls for clarity, with observers noting that a failure to respond could erode his credibility as Senate President.

The courts, too, will play a pivotal role. Unoma’s defamation suit, filed on February 28, seeks not only damages but a perpetual injunction against Natasha’s statements. If the case proceeds, it could force both parties to lay their cards on the table, potentially revealing the truth behind the senator’s claims. Alternatively, a Senate-led probe, as Saraki suggested, might preempt judicial proceedings, offering a faster resolution but risking political bias.

A Test of Accountability

At its core, this saga is more than a clash of personalities—it’s a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to addressing harassment and abuse of power. Natasha’s assertion of “concrete evidence” has raised the stakes, challenging the nation to reckon with uncomfortable questions about its leaders. For Unoma Akpabio, the fight is personal, a defense of her family’s honor against what she deems a malicious lie. For Natasha, it’s a stand for dignity, fueled by a resolve to expose what she alleges has been hidden too long.

As the dust settles—or, more likely, continues to swirl—Nigerians watch closely. Will Natasha’s evidence hold up, or will Akpabio emerge unscathed? The answers, still elusive on this Sunday evening of March 2, 2025, promise to shape not just their fates but the broader narrative of justice and gender in Nigeria’s corridors of power.