Senate passes vote of confidence in Akpabio, says sexual harassment case is before the court

The senate has passed a vote of confidence in its president, Godswill Akpabio, amid ongoing controversy over sexual harassment allegations against him.

Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, moved the motion on Thursday, citing the need to reaffirm support for Akpabio.

The motion was seconded by Olalere Oyewumi, deputy minority leader and senator representing Osun west.

The decision comes two days after Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, where she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

“Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told the IPU.

Bamidele, however, denied that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 for her allegations against Akpabio.

He said the decision was based on a complaint filed by Yemi Adaramodu, the senate spokesperson, over her conduct in the chamber.

Bamidele said the sexual harassment allegation by Akpoti-Uduaghan is before the court of law and the senate will not “delve into that”.

Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, called for a vote on the motion, which was met with a resounding “aye” from the chamber.