Natasha set to present sexual harassment evidence against Akpabio

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central Senatorial District has stated that she will soon provide evidence supporting her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“At the right time and at the right space, I will present the evidence that I have,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.

The senator also commented on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to reject a petition seeking her recall, describing it as the right course of action despite coming later than expected.

“I’m a lawyer. I’m a senator and I understand how Nigeria works. For me, the most important thing is this recall process has been stalled.

“I give kudos and credit to INEC even though I believe they should have thrown it away from the get-go,” she stated.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member further alleged that many addresses listed in the petition were inaccurate, noting that a large portion of homes in her district lack proper numbering.

“Even though INEC did count 208,000 signatures, I bet you if they had gone into the verification stage, they would have struggled to even have 500 people come out to attest to signing that,” she added.

The recall effort was initiated on March 24, 2025, when Charity Omole, an aide to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, led some constituents from Kogi Central to submit a petition to INEC.

In an official response on Thursday, INEC declared that the petition did not meet the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the Senator,” the electoral body stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously clashed with Senate President Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate. She later accused him of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Following this, the Senate suspended her for six months on the grounds of misconduct.