Opposition parties have called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down following allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the Obidient Movement of the Labour Party have insisted that Akpabio’s resignation is necessary for a fair and impartial investigation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President Bukola Saraki also backed the call, urging Akpabio to respect the dignity of the Senate by stepping aside.
Allegation and Fallout
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, claimed in a recent interview that her dispute with Akpabio began after she rejected his alleged sexual advances. She recalled an incident from December 8, 2023, when she and her husband attended Akpabio’s birthday celebration in Akwa Ibom.
“Akpabio was holding my hands while showing me around his house, with my husband following behind. He then said he wanted me to spend special moments in his house,” she alleged during an interview with Arise Television.
Her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan-Akpoti, confirmed the claim, stating that despite his warnings, Akpabio continued to harass his wife.
The issue escalated on Tuesday when Akpoti-Uduaghan noticed that her seat in the Senate had been moved. She protested, causing a brief disruption in plenary. As a result, she was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which has two weeks to submit a report.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has not personally responded to the allegations, but his wife, Ekaette, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Calls for Resignation
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the scandal as a disgrace to the Senate and called for Akpabio’s resignation.
“Senator Akpabio cannot be a judge in his own case. He should step aside to allow a proper investigation,” Ologunagba said in an interview with The PUNCH.
He emphasized the need to uphold the dignity of the Senate.
“This is embarrassing for the nation. The Senate should be dealing with more pressing national issues, but instead, we are facing this controversy. The institution must uphold its integrity by conducting a transparent investigation,” he added.
The NNPP also supported the call for Akpabio to step down, arguing that transparency was essential.
“When you have a serious allegation like this, it is normal to step aside to ensure an independent investigation,” NNPP spokesperson Oladipo Johnson stated.
Labour Party chieftain and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, stressed that the integrity of the Senate was at stake.
“It will be disappointing if this matter is swept under the carpet. The office of the Senate President must be protected, and that starts with a fair and thorough investigation,” he said.
APC Distances Itself
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) refused to intervene, insisting that the matter was strictly for the Senate to handle.
“It is not a party issue. Natasha is not even our member. The Senate has its processes, and Akpabio is competent to defend himself,” APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said.
Deputy National Organizing Secretary Nze Chidi Duru echoed similar sentiments, stating that the National Assembly was equipped to resolve the issue.
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Calls for Investigation
Civil society organizations have also weighed in, calling for a forensic investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims.
Deborah Adeniran, Chairperson of the Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership, said, “We need to determine whether this was mere advances or actual harassment. If Akpabio abused his power, he must be held accountable.”
Similarly, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Accountability and Advocacy Centre, warned against making baseless allegations but insisted that evidence must be examined.
“If there is no evidence, the accusation could damage someone’s reputation. However, if proof exists, it must be properly investigated,” he said.
Akpabio Rejects Resignation Calls
Despite the mounting pressure, Akpabio has refused to step aside. His media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the calls as baseless.
“There is no petition before the Senate, the police, or any court. The entire matter is based on hearsay. Why should Akpabio resign over mere allegations?” Eyiboh questioned.
He also downplayed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint about her seat relocation, stating that such adjustments were common due to defections in the Senate.
“Senator Ireti Kingibe has had her seat moved four times. Why is this case different?” he asked.
Eyiboh further argued that a lawmaker’s influence in the Senate is not determined by seating position but by active participation.
“If you want media attention, be active in debates. The cameras will find you,” he said.
With the Ethics Committee investigating the matter and opposition parties increasing their demands for Akpabio’s resignation, the controversy continues to unfold. Whether the Senate President will withstand the pressure or be forced to step down remains to be seen.