Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. In a recent interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances both in his office and at his Akwa Ibom residence. Akpabio's wife, Unoma Ekaette Akpabio, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking ₦250 billion in damages and demanding a public apology. ​

Furthermore, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has recommended that Akpoti-Uduaghan issue a written apology to Akpabio. The committee also imposed a six-month suspension on her, citing "unruly and disruptive" behavior during Senate proceedings. Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected these findings, maintaining that her allegations are truthful and has vowed not to apologize.

The controversy has sparked significant public discourse, with women's rights groups criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension as an affront to democracy and a reflection of gender inequality in Nigerian politics.