Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has taken her case to the international stage, appearing on Sky News to allege that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her for over a year.
Despite the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi State, Hale Longpet, denying knowledge of an official recall process, Ebira indigenes insist that the move to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan is ongoing and has widespread support from constituents.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations
Speaking in her Sky News interview on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed her six-month suspension was not about alleged gross misconduct, as stated by the Senate, but rather retaliation for her speaking out against Akpabio’s advances.
“I made an allegation of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on March 5, 2025, and the next day, I was suspended. I believe my suspension is illegal and unjust—just a way to silence me.”
She alleged that Akpabio persistently demanded favors, telling her that she must “please him” to fully enjoy the privileges of her office.
According to her, the final straw was being forcibly moved from her Senate seat, a move she described as part of a broader pattern of hostility.
“I have had to endure a whole lot in silence,” she added.
Ebira Indigenes Call for Her Recall
Following the senator’s public allegations, some Ebira leaders have condemned her actions, arguing that she has brought “international embarrassment” to the senatorial district.
In a statement signed by Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim (President, Kogi Central Elites Forum) and Akerejola Johnson (Secretary), the group insisted that the recall process was legitimate and widely supported.
“No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are largely united on this cause. From history, you know Ebiras cannot be deceived. Even those who once supported her on social media have withdrawn. We cannot trade the integrity of Kogi and Nigeria for the selfish, juvenile tendencies of a senator.”
The group dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims as “propaganda”, arguing that her actions were more about blackmail than legitimate grievances.
“A simple matter of refusing an assigned seat should not escalate to a ‘sexual harassment’ scandal that tarnishes the Senate. This is not who we are as Ebiras.”
Recall Process: What’s Next?
Amid the REC’s denial of involvement, the group clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not officially step in until the signature collection phase is complete.
“We, the petitioners, are driving the recall process. Our goal is to meet the required threshold before formally presenting it for verification. That is when INEC gets involved.”
What’s Next for Akpoti-Uduaghan?
The statement emphasized that Ebira leaders remain firm in their decision to recall the senator, asserting that she needs to return home to learn how to represent her constituents properly.
“Ordinarily, we would never allow anyone to intimidate our daughter if she was right. But in this case, she disrespected the Senate, broke clear rules, and introduced narratives never heard before in Nigeria’s legislative history.”
The unfolding controversy continues to fuel national debate, as both sides stand their ground on what could become a historic recall process in Nigerian politics.
