ACF Demands Probe as Sexual Harassment Allegations rock Senate, Akpabio

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The forum expressed deep concern over the controversy, warning that it threatens the integrity of the Senate both nationally and internationally.  

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, accused Akpabio of harassment shortly after a heated disagreement over seating arrangements in the upper chamber. In response, ACF spokesperson, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, noted that the scandal has already drawn public reactions, including from the senator’s husband, which he said could “bring into disrepute a body empowered to make laws for Nigeria”.The forum stressed that beyond the personal dispute, the situation is affecting representation for Kogi Central in the 10th Senate.  

The controversy has also raised suspicions of a broader pattern of political targeting. The ACF stated, “While, perhaps, far-fetched, ACF rues the development and hopes that it is not part of the thinly-veiled anti-Arewa agenda now pervading the Nigerian political process”.The group pointed out that only northern senators have faced major disciplinary actions in the 10th Senate, prompting concerns over possible bias. It warned that the unfolding events are damaging the leadership’s public image, “Putting it mildly, the public image of the leadership of the 10th Senate is now less than inspiring”.

However, Akpabio’s allies have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. The Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, described them as “false and baseless,” while rejecting calls for an investigation from former Senate President Bukola Saraki. “Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s appeal for transparency and institutional protection is noted, but his attempt to draw a parallel between his own past case and the current false allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is fundamentally flawed,”Nwebonyi argued. Meanwhile, the Senate panel responsible for probing the issue, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, has yet to take any action.  

Beyond the Senate, political commentators have weighed in, warning that the scandal could escalate if not properly handled. Former PDP spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, remarked that Akpabio was “toying with the banana peels” of Senate scandals, adding, “It is time for the men of valour in the Senate to rise and rescue the institution from a wholesale debasement.”He argued that Akpabio should step aside, saying, that is the only way to sanitise the Senate and restore public confidence in the National Assembly.

Veteran journalist Comfort Obi also urged Akpabio to take the allegations seriously, stating, “He should encourage, and submit to a transparent investigation. He should head to the court to prove his innocence. Akpoti-Uduaghan says she is ready. She has called Akpabio out. She said she has evidences and witnesses, including her husband and WhatsApp messages. Similarly, civil rights activist Madubuachi Idam called for an independent commission of inquiry, insisting that nobody should use court orders to frustrate the inquiry.

As pressure mounts, the Senate faces a defining moment. Will Akpabio step aside to allow an investigation, or will political forces suppress the allegations? With public trust in the Senate at stake, the handling of this controversy could shape the credibility of Nigeria’s legislative body for years to come.