In a decisive move, the Nigerian Senate has passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite ongoing allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The resolution, spearheaded by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was overwhelmingly supported by senators during a plenary session on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
The vote of confidence comes amid mounting pressure for Akpabio to step aside to allow for an independent investigation into the allegations. However, the Senate has chosen to focus on its legislative duties, leaving the matter to the judiciary for adjudication.
The controversy began when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim he has vehemently denied. The situation escalated when the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, 2025, citing alleged misconduct and violation of the Senate’s Standing Rules. Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, maintains that her suspension was a ploy to silence her and obstruct justice.
During the plenary, Senator Bamidele argued that the Senate should not be distracted by the allegations and must remain focused on its core mandate of lawmaking and oversight. “We cannot allow this controversy to derail our legislative agenda. The judiciary is the appropriate forum to address these matters,” he stated.
