- Women in Akwa Ibom protested in defence of Akpabio, denouncing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations
- Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders distanced themselves from Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding her to stop the attacks
- Counter-protests in Abuja called for a fair investigation into Akpabio’s alleged misconduct
Dozens of women staged a protest against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her recent accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Akwa Ibom.
The protesters, who sang solidarity songs, voiced their anger over what they called an insult to Akpabio, whom they referred to as “their son.”
Akwa Ibom women defend Akpabio, condemn Natasha
They warned Akpoti-Uduaghan to refrain from making further claims that could damage the reputation of the Senate President.
Similarly, a group known as the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders distanced themselves from Akpoti-Uduaghan, condemning her alleged unprovoked attacks on Akpabio.
They issued an apology to the Senate President on behalf of Kogi Central’s people and cautioned that they might initiate a recall process against her if such actions persisted.
The group expressed their disappointment, stating, “We are known for showing gratitude, loyalty, and fidelity to friendship. We therefore condemn her utterances and actions against Akpabio, which do not represent us.”
Kogi group apologises to Akpabio, threatens recall of Natasha
They also urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to focus on her legislative duties and stop undermining the harmony of the Senate. The stakeholders added that they supported disciplinary measures against the senator, warning that further misconduct could lead to a recall process.
However, supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and members of various civil society groups organised a counter-protest at the National Assembly on Wednesday, March 5.
The protesters arrived early, around 8:00 am, several hours before the plenary session. Carrying banners that read “Akpabio Must Go” and “Protect Women’s Rights,” they called for Akpabio’s resignation pending an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations.
Natasha’s supporters demand Akpabio’s resignation at National Assembly protest
A spokesperson for the protesters emphasised their call for a fair investigation, stating, “We are here to demand justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and to hold those in power accountable. No one is above the law.”
The demonstrations followed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that Akpabio had harassed her after she rejected his sexual advances.
The controversy began after a seating arrangement change on February 20, 2025, which Akpoti-Uduaghan described as retaliation for turning down Akpabio’s alleged advances.
The allegations, made during a live television interview, have intensified tensions within the Senate, fuelling the ongoing protests from both sides.
“Shameful and unfortunate”: Harassment allegations against Akpabio divide religious, ethnic groups
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio stirred national debate.
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) rejected resignation demands for Akpabio, citing lack of evidence. While the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) criticised Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) for using the Akpabio allegations to divide the nation along regional lines.