Senate passes vote of confidence in Akpabio

Natasha : Senate Passes Vote Of Confidence In Akpabio’s Leadership

The Nigerian Senate has passed a unanimous vote of confidence in its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, amidst allegations of harassment raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The vote followed a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumi.

The Senate emphasized that the matter is before the court and urged Nigerians not to be distracted by the allegations, citing its standing rules that prevent interference in judicial matters.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended for alleged misconduct, which she claimed was due to her allegations against

The decision followed debate on a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

In his presentation, Senator Bamidele, noted that there was no time in the 10th senate that a sexual harassment claim was reported by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any female lawmaker for that matter.

Bamidele equally insisted that those accusing Akpabio of being a judge in a matter are oblivious of provisions of Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which gives the National Assembly powers to regulate itself.

“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.

He said while appreciating the concern of the public on this matter, the senate will strictly be guided by their rules and conventions as provided by the constitution.

This decision is not unconnected with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s presentation at the Inter-Parliamentary Union session held in New York, where the Kogi Central lawmaker told them that the Senate President suspended her after submitting a petition alleging sexual harassment.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over Thursday’s plenary session, noted that with the budget which has now passed demands that the legislature focus on its oversight functions.

He reiterated that the matter is now before the courts, and as such, the Senate should allow the legal system to take its course.