Ex-Senate President Lawan Denies Defending Natasha in Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio

Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has refuted reports claiming he defended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, on Tuesday, Lawan labeled the reports as “entirely false” and a “gross misrepresentation of the facts.”

Lawan clarified that his remarks during the Senate plenary on March 6, 2025, were strictly procedural and had no bearing on the sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. He explained that his intervention was focused on cautioning the Senate against adopting a recommendation from the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which suggested withdrawing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security aides. According to Lawan, approving such a move could set a dangerous precedent for future legislative actions.

It is important to note that Lawan’s proposed amendment to the Committee’s recommendation was rejected by fellow Senators during the debate on the misconduct allegations against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“At no point did Senator Lawan defend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or take sides in the allegations against the Senate President,” the statement clarified. “His intervention was strictly a matter of principle, focused on ensuring due process and upholding the rule of law.”

Lawan, therefore, called on the public and media to disregard any misleading claims, reaffirming his commitment to the stability and integrity of the National Assembly.