Group Urges Akpabio To Step Aside Over Sexual Harassment Allegation

A socio-political pressure group, Action Collective, has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio step aside and submit himself to an independent investigation following an allegation of sexual harassment against him.

The group described Akpabio’s continued leadership of the Senate as “morally indefensible” and warned that failure to address the issue transparently could erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

In a strongly-worded statement signed by its National Coordinator, Teddy Onyejuwe, and released on Monday, April 14, 2025, Action Collective said Akpabio’s refusal to temporarily vacate his position risks obstructing due process and compromising the integrity of the legislative arm of government.

“It is morally indefensible for Senator Akpabio to remain in office while presiding over matters linked to his own alleged misconduct. His continued stay is an effort to perpetuate a process that may never lead to justice,” Onyejuwe said.

The group drew comparisons with recent developments in the academic sector, specifically referencing the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fasina. According to the statement, Fasina stepped aside voluntarily after facing a similar allegation, allowing for a transparent investigation by the University Governing Council.

Action Collective also reminded the public of the landmark legislation passed by the 9th Senate in July 2020 aimed at curbing sexual harassment in tertiary institutions. The bill, A Bill for an Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for Matters Connected Therewith, 2019 was co-sponsored by 106 senators, including Akpabio.

“The principle behind that law must apply not only to universities but to all institutions, including the National Assembly,” the group emphasized.

The statement further called on President Bola Tinubu to break his silence and compel Akpabio to step down to preserve the credibility of democratic processes.

“The President must not watch in silence while the rights of Nigerian women are being trampled and our democracy eroded. Mr. President, history is watching. Do not let this become another case of elite impunity,” Onyejuwe warned.

Action Collective also appealed to the judiciary to remain resolute and impartial in handling the case, stating that the matter represents more than a personal scandal.

“This is not merely a personal scandal; it is a litmus test of our national values. If the judiciary fails to uphold justice, it will confirm the perception that Nigeria has little or no room for the advancement and protection of women,” the statement added.

Concluding its statement, the group cautioned the federal government against ignoring growing public outrage, warning that shielding the powerful could severely damage Nigeria’s global image.

“The international community is watching closely. Any action that appears to shield the powerful at the expense of justice will further dent Nigeria’s image globally. This is no longer about one man; it is about the soul of our democracy,” the group stated.