Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement on his X account on Friday, Atiku expressed deep concern over the claims made by the Kogi Central senator, stressing the need for accountability and justice.

“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.

“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.”

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emphasised that the Nigerian Senate must uphold the highest standards of integrity, particularly in its leadership.

“The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.

Atiku further noted that the position of Senate President comes with immense responsibility and should not be tainted by allegations that undermine public trust.

“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he said.

“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.”

He urged President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to take Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims seriously, insisting that how the matter is handled will reflect Nigeria’s commitment to justice and gender inclusion.

“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation,” Atiku stated.

“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in an interview on Arise TV, alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her and later hindered her legislative efforts after she refused.

“Mine is the case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him,” she said.

She recounted an incident at the Senate President’s residence, where she claimed he attempted to isolate her under the pretense of showing her around his house.

“My husband was walking behind us, just the three of us. My husband was already near me, and the way he looked at me and looked at him, I was beginning to wonder, did he hear part of that inciting statement or not?” she narrated.

The senator also alleged that Akpabio repeatedly blocked her motion on Ajaokuta Steel Company and linked his actions to her rejection of his advances.

“In February, I wanted to move a motion. It was the sixth time it was listed on the order paper and approved. Many senators can testify. Each time it was listed, just before he takes it, he will say, ‘Oh, Senator Natasha, we can’t take this motion because the mood of the Senate does not accommodate it,’” she claimed.

She added that when she confronted Akpabio in his office about the repeated delays, he responded suggestively.

“He then said, ‘Natasha, I’m the chief presiding officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.’

“At that point, I said, ‘Sir, I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear this.’ He said, ‘Well, the ball is in your court.’ I left his office.”

The lawmaker likened her experience to the harassment female students face in universities.

“You know the situation we see in universities whereby a student is continuously being failed just because she has not slept with the lecturer? That’s what I’ve been facing, in simple terms.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan said her husband later confronted Akpabio in London, pleading with him to allow her to present the motion.

However, Akpabio’s wife, Unoma Akpabio, has dismissed them as false and self-serving. She described her husband as a disciplined and jovial person who is often misinterpreted.