Women Stage Protest At UN, Demand Evidence For Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Claims Against Akpabio

A group of demonstrators under the banner of Women for Change Vanguard staged a protest at the United Nations office in Abuja on Friday, demanding that Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan provide evidence for her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The protesters, carrying banners with messages such as “We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment, not people who weaponize it” and “The burden of proof lies with the accuser”, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of playing the victim on the international stage without substantiating her claims.

The protest occurred just a day after the senator filed a contempt charge against Akpabio and others over her six-month suspension from the Senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following a confrontation with the Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she claimed was designed to undermine her.

The dispute escalated when she accused Akpabio of retaliating against her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances, a claim she later took to the United Nations’ International Parliamentary Union.

Speaking at the protest, Irene Umoh, leader of the Women for Change Vanguard, called on the UN to request credible evidence from Akpoti-Uduaghan to substantiate her allegations.

“This is not the first time Senator Natasha has made serious allegations against a prominent figure. False accusations harm the accused and weaken the credibility of real survivors of sexual harassment,” Umoh stated.

She added that allowing such allegations to stand without proof could lead to a dangerous precedent where accusations are used as a weapon against innocent men in power.

“Our protest is not just about justice for Senator Akpabio, but about holding both parties accountable. If evidence exists, it should be presented. If not, Akpoti-Uduaghan must take responsibility for making unfounded claims,” she said.

Receiving the group’s petition, UN Senior Human Rights Advisor Adwoa Kufuor assured the protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate UN offices for review.

The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension continues to draw national and international attention, with calls for both fairness and accountability in the matter.