In a stunning development rocking Nigeria’s political landscape, reports have emerged suggesting that Senate President Godswill Akpabio may temporarily step down from his position as part of a controversial strategy within the Nigerian Senate. This move, reportedly set to unfold in the coming week, is allegedly designed to allow a Senate committee to clear Akpabio of sexual harassment allegations while paving the way for the indefinite suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. As of March 16, 2025, this unfolding drama has sparked intense debate about leadership, accountability, and gender dynamics within Nigeria’s legislative body.
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The Alleged Plan and Timeline
According to sources within the Senate, Akpabio is considering a temporary resignation as early as the week of March 17-23, 2025. This strategic step-down is said to be a formality, enabling the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) to conduct an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, is reportedly poised to exonerate Akpabio swiftly, potentially within hours of his temporary departure, before reinstating him to his position.
Simultaneously, the same committee is expected to recommend an indefinite suspension for Senator Natasha, a move that could see her barred from legislative duties until the end of her tenure in 2027. This development follows her earlier six-month suspension in late 2024, which stemmed from a dispute over seating arrangements and alleged misconduct in the Senate chamber. The reported plan has raised questions about fairness, due process, and the use of institutional power to silence dissent within the Senate.
Background of the Conflict
The tension between Akpabio and Natasha has been simmering for months, rooted in a series of high-profile confrontations. Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. According to her allegations, Akpabio made inappropriate advances, including leading her around his home by the hand in the presence of her husband, and later insinuated that she should “take care of him” to ensure favorable consideration of her motions in the Senate.
The allegations gained significant traction when Natasha raised them publicly, including during an interview with Arise Television in early March 2025. She likened Akpabio’s behavior to that of a university lecturer failing a student who refused his advances, a charge Akpabio has vehemently denied. The Senate President, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), countered that he has always respected women, citing his upbringing by a single mother and his record as a “gender-friendly governor.”
The dispute escalated further when Natasha was suspended for six months in late 2024, a decision based on a report by the Senate Ethics Committee. She challenged this suspension legally, securing a court order on March 4, 2025, from Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, restraining the committee from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her. However, the Senate’s latest reported plan suggests a determination to override this judicial intervention, raising concerns about the rule of law and institutional overreach.
The Strategic Step-Down and Suspension Plot
The reported strategy involves Akpabio stepping aside temporarily to “fulfill all righteousness,” allowing the SCEPPP to conduct what critics describe as a perfunctory investigation. Sources indicate that the committee’s report is already being prepared, with the outcome predetermined to clear Akpabio of all allegations. Following this, the committee is expected to recommend Natasha’s indefinite suspension, effectively sidelining her for the remainder of her term.
This plan has been corroborated by statements from Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who confirmed on March 14, 2025, during an appearance on Channels Television, that both Akpabio and Natasha would testify before the committee, along with other senators present during the alleged incidents. However, the swift timeline and the anticipated outcome have led to accusations of a rigged process designed to protect Akpabio and punish his accuser.
Natasha’s Response and International Advocacy
Senator Natasha has not remained silent in the face of these developments. Following her initial suspension, she filed a contempt application against Akpabio and the Senate leadership, alleging disobedience of the court order restraining further disciplinary actions against her. The case, listed as Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, names the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Akpabio, and Senator Imasuen as defendants.
Additionally, Natasha has escalated her fight to the international stage, submitting a petition to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in early March 2025. This bold move aims to draw global attention to her allegations and the Senate’s handling of the situation, potentially pressuring Nigerian authorities to ensure a fair and transparent process. Her actions have garnered support from gender advocacy groups and some civil society organizations, who see her case as emblematic of broader issues of gender discrimination and power imbalances in Nigerian politics.
Implications for Akpabio and the Senate
For Senate President Akpabio, the reported plan to step down temporarily and secure a favorable committee ruling is a high-stakes gamble. While it may shield him from the immediate fallout of the harassment allegations, it risks further damaging his reputation and the credibility of the Senate as an institution. Akpabio, who assumed the Senate Presidency in June 2023 after a contentious election, has faced numerous controversies, including accusations of financial impropriety and dismissive remarks toward female senators. The current scandal could intensify calls for his permanent resignation, with groups like the Niger Delta Women League previously demanding his ouster in August 2023.
The broader implications for the Senate are equally significant. The reported plot to indefinitely suspend Natasha, particularly in defiance of a court order, raises serious questions about the independence of the legislative body and its commitment to democratic principles. Critics argue that such actions undermine public trust in the Senate, portraying it as a tool for settling personal scores rather than a forum for national representation and lawmaking.
Public and Political Reactions
The unfolding situation has sparked a polarized response among Nigerians. Supporters of Akpabio argue that the allegations against him are politically motivated, orchestrated by opponents to weaken his leadership and the APC’s dominance in the Senate. They point to his long political career and achievements as evidence of his integrity, dismissing Natasha’s claims as unproven and sensationalized.
Conversely, Natasha’s supporters, including women’s rights advocates and opposition figures, view her as a courageous whistleblower standing up to a powerful establishment. They contend that the Senate’s response—suspending her and allegedly planning to extend this punishment—reflects a broader culture of impunity and gender-based silencing within Nigerian politics. Protests have already occurred in Abuja, with groups both backing Akpabio and demanding his resignation clashing outside the National Assembly in early March 2025.
What Lies Ahead
As the week of March 17-23, 2025, approaches, all eyes will be on the Nigerian Senate to see if the reported plan comes to fruition. If Akpabio steps down temporarily and is swiftly cleared, followed by Natasha’s indefinite suspension, it could trigger a wave of legal challenges, public protests, and international scrutiny. Natasha’s petition to the IPU may further amplify these consequences, potentially prompting external pressure on the Nigerian government to address the situation.
For now, the lack of an official confirmation from Akpabio or the Senate leadership leaves room for speculation. However, the rapid pace of developments and the detailed nature of the reports suggest that a significant shift is imminent. Whether this will resolve the crisis or deepen the rift within the Senate remains uncertain, but it is clear that the outcome will have lasting repercussions for Nigeria’s political landscape.
Conclusion
The reported plan for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down temporarily and the anticipated indefinite suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan represent a critical juncture in Nigeria’s legislative history. As of March 16, 2025, the situation remains fluid, with the potential to reshape perceptions of leadership, accountability, and gender equity in the Senate. Nigerians and the international community alike await further developments, hoping for a resolution that upholds justice, transparency, and the democratic ideals the Senate is meant to embody.
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