Sexual Allegations Rock Tinubu's Inner Circle
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, at least three influential politicians within his circle have been confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct. These cases have played out in the court of public opinion and, in some instances, the court of law. The allegations involve Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Minister of Works Dave Umahi, all key figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Godswill Akpabio: Senate President Under Fire
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, one of Tinubu's most vocal defenders in the legislature, faces accusations from suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central. Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio made sexual advances toward her, and that her rejection of these advances led to her challenges in the National Assembly. The prolonged dispute drew criticism from within and outside the APC, sparking months of media and legal controversies.
Adams Oshiomhole: Video Footage Sparks Controversy
In February 2026, a video emerged showing former Edo State governor and ex-APC national chairman Senator Adams Oshiomhole massaging the feet of a woman in a private jet. The woman was identified as South African lifestyle influencer and adult content creator Leshaan Dagama. The video went viral, prompting Oshiomhole to dismiss it as AI-generated. However, Dagama refuted this claim on Instagram, stating: “The video wasn’t AI, but okay, believe your Senator.” The incident resurfaced during a Senate plenary session when Akpabio referenced the allegations.
Dave Umahi: Businesswoman Retracts Allegations
Minister of Works Dave Umahi was accused by Nigerian businesswoman Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri, also known as Tracy, of sexual harassment and withholding contract payments. Ohiri later withdrew the allegations in a video statement, saying the decision came after "proper consultation with my family, friends and legal team, and a painstaking review of events of the past two weeks." She clarified that she had no direct knowledge of threats linked to Umahi against a group of engineers, beyond what she read online. The retraction followed public pressure and legal advice.
