Calls for Senate President Akpabio to Step Down Amid Accusations

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is being urged to leave his position due to allegations of sexual misconduct temporarily.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central District made these accusations.

The Action Collective, a well-known advocacy group, has voiced concerns over these allegations, stating that they create public distrust in Akpabio’s leadership.

On April 10, 2025, Teddy Onyejuwe, the group’s leader, made a public statement. He explained that it’s common for leaders accused of serious misconduct to step aside to allow for a fair investigation.

The group highlighted the need for the Senate to address these claims seriously and maintain the integrity of their institution. “Leaders in a proper democracy usually step aside to avoid influencing the investigation,” the statement noted.

This request follows Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s announcement that she will soon provide evidence to support her sexual assault claims against Akpabio.

The group stressed that such behavior, if proven true, could prevent women from pursuing political positions.

The Action Collective criticized the Senate for not responding strongly enough to the accusations. They warned that this could damage the public’s trust in how the country is run.

They called for the Senate to show a clear commitment to ethical behavior and openness, without getting sidetracked by unproven or old complaints.

The statement ended with a call to action for community groups, women’s rights advocates, and international partners to support this demand for clear and moral leadership.

“For Nigeria to be respected worldwide, it must show it stands for ethical and moral leadership,” added Onyejuwe.

Additionally, a court has recently barred both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio from speaking about the case in media interviews while it’s still ongoing, underlining the sensitivity of the situation.