- Senate President Godswill Akpabio was at the centre of multiple controversies, with serious allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment
- The allegations have stirred calls for transparency and accountability in Akpabio’s leadership
- TheRadar compiled the multiple allegations below, with the latest leading to widespread protests and a heated nationwide debate
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has found himself at the centre of multiple controversies, with several allegations of misconduct towards women casting a shadow over his conduct in public office.
One of the most recent and prominent controversies involves Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which has fueled ongoing discussions about Akpabio's conduct, with many calling for greater accountability and a thorough investigation
TheRadar compiled a list of key incidents involving Akpabio, detailing the allegations below
1. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s incident
The controversy surrounding Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan began on February 20, 2025, when a seating arrangement was reportedly altered as a form of retaliation after Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly rejected Akpabio’s advances.
On March 6, 2025, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, presented its findings.
The committee put forward seven recommendations, including a six-month suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan due to misconduct, escalating the tension within the Senate.
The allegations made public during a live television interview, and the subsequent suspension sparked protests from supporters on both sides, continuing to fuel the controversy.
2. Dakore, Nancy, others in rumour
In July 2024, popular Nigerian actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande was drawn into another controversy involving Akpabio, when rumours circulated about a romantic relationship between the two.
The allegations were spread by controversial blogger Gistlover, who listed Egbuson-Akande among several women alleged to be "side chicks" of the Senate President, along with other celebrities such as Nancy Isime, Hilda Baci, and Ini Edo.
Dakore Egbuson-Akande strongly denied the rumours, describing them as “a wicked lie from the pit of hell.” In a public statement, she clarified, "I have never met the Senate President in my life, and I am happily married with two beautiful children."
3. Joi Nunieh allegations
In July 2020, Joy Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), accused Akpabio of sexual assault. Nunieh, who was serving as the NDDC chief at the time, claimed she slapped Akpabio after an alleged assault at his guest house in Abuja.
Speaking during an interview with Arise TV, she stated, “Why did he not tell Nigerians that I slapped him in his guest house at Apo? I am the only Ogoni woman, the only Nigerian woman that has slapped him. I slapped him because of his plan B. Since he couldn’t get me to take that money, he thought that he could come up on me.
“He didn’t know that I’m a Port Harcourt girl. Port Harcourt girls are not moved by money…by somebody telling me that he will make me the substantive MD. Akpabio’s meetings with me were either at Apo or Meridien…Yes, I am accusing him of sexual harassment.”
#IWD: Senate’s treatment of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan makes a mockery of this year’s celebration
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's treatment by the Akpabio-led Senate made a mockery of the celebration of International Women's Day in Nigeria.
According to the report, the trend began with fliers and banners everywhere, grandiose write-ups flying left and right, and people took postures to celebrate International Women’s Day in Nigeria with a tale of men and women suppressing women.