One of Nigeria’s top politicians, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by fellow senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

During Wednesday’s senate session, Akpabio stated that he was raised with strong values by his late mother and has never harassed any woman.

In a Friday interview with Arise Television, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom state on December 8, 2023, he made inappropriate advances toward her. She claimed he took her by the hand, led her around his house, and made unwelcome advances while her husband was on the phone behind them.

She further alleged that on another occasion, Akpabio implied that she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions in the senate to be treated favorably. She likened his behavior to that of a university lecturer who fails a student for refusing his advances.

Akpabio firmly denied the accusations, stating, “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

The allegations have sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with calls for an independent investigation. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki emphasized on social media that the matter was too serious to be ignored.

On Wednesday, two groups of protesters gathered in Abuja—one supporting Akpabio and the other backing Senator Uduaghan, chanting “Akpabio must go.”

During the senate session, Uduaghan formally submitted a petition requesting an investigation into Akpabio’s conduct. As Senate President, Akpabio allowed the petition to be presented and referred it to the senate committee on code of conduct, ethics, and public petitions.

Before becoming Senate President less than two years ago, Akpabio served as governor of Akwa Ibom state for eight years and was later Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari.