ABUJA, Nigeria – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has openly criticized Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of corruption and habitual abuse of women.
In a video broadcast by AriseTV, Atiku did not hold back in his condemnation, calling the leadership of the National Assembly “compromised.”
“I am not surprised because the leadership of the National Assembly is corrupt, and I have no apology about that,” Atiku stated.
“The Senate President (Godswill Akpabio) is known to be involved in corruption, even when he was a governor. I got reports of this a lot.”
He went on to allege that Akpabio had also been involved in the abuse of women, citing reports he had received.
This statement comes amid growing backlash against the National Assembly’s approval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
It also follows the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which have added fuel to the controversy surrounding the Senate President’s leadership.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been vocal about her accusations against Akpabio, filed a petition that was initially rejected by the Senate.
In support of her petition, she submitted an affidavit to the Senate Ethics Committee, detailing an alleged instance of sexual harassment by Akpabio.
According to the affidavit, the incident took place during a visit to Akpabio’s country home in Akwa Ibom State in December 2023.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that while at the residence with her husband, Akpabio made unsolicited and inappropriate sexual advances.
She said that during a house tour, Akpabio suggested they “have a quality moment together,” despite her husband being nearby.
She further alleged that Akpabio proposed converting part of the house into a nightclub to host a party, which she described as an unethical attempt to lure her into a compromising situation.
Following her rejection of Akpabio’s advances, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that she faced obstruction and intimidation in the Senate.
She accused the Senate President of deliberately refusing to recognize her motions, including a key motion regarding the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
She noted that the motion was repeatedly listed on the order paper but was ignored without explanation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s affidavit also reveals that she approached Akpabio privately to address the issue but was met with more of the same inappropriate behavior.
She claims that Akpabio reiterated his advances during their private meeting, saying, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate, and you can enjoy a whole lot from me if you take care of me and make me happy.”
The accusations against Akpabio have sparked significant public outcry, especially among those who see this as part of a wider pattern of abuse within Nigeria’s political leadership.
Atiku’s comments add further pressure to Akpabio, as calls for accountability continue to grow.
