Ex-Senate President Lawan Denies Defending Natasha Against Akpabio

Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has dismissed reports suggesting that he defended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, on Tuesday, Senator Lawan described the claims as “entirely false and a gross misrepresentation of the facts.”

He clarified that his comments during the Senate plenary on March 6, 2025, were strictly procedural and had no connection to the allegations against Akpabio.

Lawan, who was President of the 9th Senate, explained that he had only cautioned the Senate against adopting a recommendation from the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which proposed the withdrawal of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security aides.

According to him, approving such a move could set a dangerous precedent that might be exploited against lawmakers in the future.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Lawan’s amendment to the Committee’s recommendation was outrightly rejected by fellow Senators during the debate on the report on allegations of misconduct against Senator 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 said. “His intervention was purely a matter of principle, reflecting his commitment to due process and the rule of law.”

Former Senate President Lawan, therefore, urged the public and media to disregard any contrary insinuations, emphasising his dedication to the stability and integrity of the National Assembly.