By Rt. Hon. Dr. Ngunan Addingi
The recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked a familiar sequence of events in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Akpabio’s denial, counter-accusations, and legal threats, including a N250 billion defamation lawsuit filed by his wife, Unoma Akpabio, are all too common in cases involving powerful men.
This case bears striking similarities to previous allegations made by Joy Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), against Akpabio in 2020. The lack of proper investigation and accountability in Nunieh’s case has contributed to the perpetuation of a culture of impunity, enabling similar allegations to surface again.
Now, the involvement of Akpabio’s wife in filing a defamation lawsuit adds a new layer of complexity, attempting to shift the focus from the substance of the allegations to a legal battle over reputation.
As a woman in politics too, this move sends a warning signal to other women in Nigerian politics who might consider speaking out against powerful figures.
My take on all this is that Nigeria’s institutional failure to handle allegations of sexual harassment with credibility is a significant concern. The country’s troubling record of providing justice for victims, especially when the accused hold positions of power, underscores the need for systemic reforms.
Hence going forward there are steps that must be taken.
Key Reforms Needed:
Independent Investigations:
Allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power must be investigated by independent bodies, not committees controlled by the accused or their allies.
Stronger Legal Protections:
Women in public office need stronger legal safeguards against gender-based harassment and political victimization.
Transparency and Accountability:
The Nigerian political establishment must abandon its tradition of shielding alleged perpetrators and ensure that accusations are addressed with transparency rather than dismissed outright.
Ultimately, Nigeria as a nation stands at a crossroads. It can continue to dismiss allegations of sexual harassment, silence women in politics, and shield powerful men from accountability. Or, it can take this moment to redefine its political culture, valuing accountability, justice, and truth over convenience and loyalty.
My advice?
An independent panel should investigate the allegations, and if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is lying, let it be proven.
If she is telling the truth, she deserves justice—not just for herself, but for every woman who has been forced into silence.
This is my personal opinion. What are yours?
Rt. Hon. Dr. Ngunan Addingi
Former, Member of Benue State House of Assembly 2011-2019
Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism 2019-2022
