Atiku Accuses Senate President Akpabio of Corruption and Abuse of Women, Citing PDP “Weakness”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, labeling him as “corrupt” and accusing him of habitual abuse of women. The allegations come amid growing scrutiny of the National Assembly’s swift approval of President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration in Rivers State.
“Compromised Leadership” in PDP
In a video interview with AriseTV, Atiku did not hold back, criticizing his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as weak due to what he called a “compromised leadership.”
“I am not surprised that the National Assembly approved the emergency rule in Rivers State because its leadership is corrupt, and I have no apology about that,” Atiku declared.
“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 further, stating, “Not only was he corrupt, but he was also in the habit of abusing women. I got that report.”
Fresh Backlash Against Akpabio
Atiku’s remarks follow recent sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central). SaharaReporters obtained an affidavit submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate Ethics Committee, detailing alleged misconduct by the Senate President.
According to the affidavit, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties. She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s Akwa Ibom residence on December 8, 2023, he made inappropriate advances while showing her around his home.
“Enjoy a Whole Lot From Me”
The suspended senator quoted Akpabio as 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.”
She alleged that while her husband was nearby on a phone call, Akpabio suggested bringing her back for a “quality moment together” and even proposed converting part of his house into a nightclub setting for a private party.
Retaliation for Rejection?
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that after she rejected Akpabio’s advances, he systematically blocked her legislative motions, including a critical proposal on the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
“That this motion was listed on the order paper more than five different occasions. In some instances, the Senate President declined to take it for reasons which I believe were connected to my refusal to accede to his advances,” the affidavit read.
She further stated that when she confronted Akpabio in his office, he allegedly repeated his proposition rather than addressing her concerns.
Political Fallout
The allegations add to mounting pressure on Akpabio, who has faced previous corruption accusations, including during his tenure as Akwa Ibom governor. Atiku’s public condemnation signals deepening fractures within Nigeria’s political elite, particularly as the PDP grapples with internal strife.
The Senate has yet to officially respond to the latest claims, but with the Rivers State emergency rule controversy and now these explosive allegations, Akpabio’s leadership faces unprecedented scrutiny.
